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(DAILY NATION KE) Black Stars plot Chipolopolo’s downfall

Black Stars plot Chipolopolo’s downfall
PHOTO/AFP Zambia' football team members stretch during training at Manchida Ground near Bata on Febuary 6, 2012. Zambia will play Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations first semi-final match at Bata.
By SAMMY KITULA
Posted Tuesday, February 7 2012 at 17:58

Ghana take on Zambia in tonight’s (Wednesday 7pm Kenyan time) first semi-final in Bata, and Black Stars midfielder Sulley Muntari says his side have a tough task against a Chipolopolo's side who have earned their place in the quarter-finals.

Ghana, losing finalists two years ago and who are looking for a fifth title, must first beat Zambia who have enjoyed an impressive cup campaign so far and are motivated to make the final in Libreville in memory of 25 players and officials who died in a plane crash near the Gabonese capital 19 years ago.

A military aircraft carrying Zambia’s national football team to a World Cup qualifying match against Senegal crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in Libreville, minutes after takeoff.

“It is my dream to win the Cup of Nations in Libreville because a great part of Zambian football history was written here,” midfielder Isaac Chansa said.

“Imagine if we could lift the trophy, it would be a fantastic way to honour the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the land they loved.”

Refused to apologise

Ghana are also having their own sadness to share after midfielder Anthony Annan’s mother died last Thursday, but the player opted to help the squad win the cup for the first time since 1982.

“There wouldn’t be a better dedication to my late mother than winning the title. That would be my happiest moment,” Annan said.

Zambia’s progress, though, is about more than lucky totems. It has a clear, coherent, intelligent style, a togetherness that transcends the fact that only one of its players, the forward Emmanuel Mayuka plays at a top-flight European club (and then only at the Swiss side Young Boys).

Herve Renard has no hesitation in cracking down on ill-discipline, as he showed in sending the midfielder Clifford Mulenga home last week after he refused to apologise for breaching a curfew with two other players, but he has fostered a spirit reminiscent of that created by Oscar Washington Tabarez with Uruguay in last year’s Copa America.

This is a side that clearly enjoys each other’s company, and respects its coach to the point that adherence to plans is instinctive.

Renard has said his biggest problem is stopping his side over-attacking, but so far it has got the balance right.

Labels: FOOTBALL

posted by MrK @ 5:16 PM