The Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire, organisers of the inaugural African Nations Championship (Chan), lost their opening game in a 3-0 defeat by Zambia.
The big loss could deal a heavy blow to the morale of the young Ivorians, who left the pitch at the Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium with heads bowed in front of the estimated 40,000 spectators who came to lend their support.
The Ivorians came to the match as favourites, but after 15 minutes of play the exciting and unintimidated Zambian side imposed their rhythm on the hosts. Logically, Harvé Remond's boys first found the net when Given Suguluma, the Zonaco attacker, slotted a centre from his teammate and captain Hachipuka Kebby.(1-0, 36th minute).
Despite the goal advantage, the Zambians did not relent in their attack. Four minutes later a seemingly legitimate goal from the Zambians was ruled offside. But this did not dampen their spirits, and they kept their foot on the accelerator until the end of the half.
For their part, the Ivorians had a very weak attack line. With alternate long and short passes, the Zambian team resembled that of 90s, who with their elegant style of play were affectionately known as the "Mighty Zambians".
After half-time, the Elephants returned from their dressing room with a much more ambitious approach, having made some changes on the attack line. But their ambition was curbed by a second goal from Zambia. It was again the handy work of Given Sugulama, a result of a sublime pass from the box area by Lwipa Ignatius. (2-0, 49th minute).
Discontented spectators who demonstrated their feelings by throwing projectiles on the pitch and chanting "Zambia, Zambia, Zambia." One would have thought you were in Lusaka, Kitwe or Chilabombwe, such was the way Zambian confidence was boosted by Ivorian Supporters.
From this point on, pressure mounted on the young Ivorians, who are definitely not used to playing in such an atmosphere. Kouadio George's boys showed signs of nervousness, ending up with with 10 men following the expulsion of Saoure Floren.
Salt was rubbed into their wounds in the 87th minute when an own-goal from Nene Bi Tra Sylvetre brought the score to 3-0.
By losing their first game, the opening match of a new tournament, by a huge margin, the Ivorians have put themselves under enormous pressure through the rest of the competition.
Translated from the original French by Michael Tantoh.
