Benguela — Zambia thoroughly out-played Gabon in Benguela on Thursday and saw off a 14-year jinx to win a place at the African Nations Cup quarterfinals.
The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) finished equal with Gabon on points but eliminated them on the number of goals in a dramatic three-way head at the top of the group.
It was a come-from-behind rally by Zambia, who had been bottom of the standings before Thursday's final Group D action.
They might have been two or three goals up before they eventually found the net, making their own lives difficult by not finishing their chances.
Jacob Mulenga was the culprit for most of the misses but Zambia were in no mind to be concerned about their prolificacy in front of goal as they celebrated their first quarterfinal appearance since the 1996 finals in South Africa.
In the five tournaments since, they have failed at the first hurdle, giving Thursday's triumph extra resonance.
"We had come here to reach the quarterfinals and this is most important that we have achieved it," said Herve Renard, their coach. "The commitment from the players was fantastic. They… deserve everything they have got, even if at times their discipline in the field leaves something be desired," he said after the victory.
Zambia had been full of slinking pass moves for the first half-hour and deservedly went ahead when Chintu Kampamba played a ball through the middle to Felix Katongo, who in turn threaded a through ball in the same direction for the speedy winger Rainford Kalaba. He in turn had no trouble nipping the ball wide of the onrushing keeper, Didier Ovono. The movement was characteristic of the way that Zambia opened up the Gabon defence through most of the game.
Using the flanks to good effect proved a huge part of Zambia's armoury in the match at the Ombaka Stadium. Kalaba, Felix Katongo and James Chamanga all tested the Gabon fullbacks in turn. Jacob Mulenga stayed as the front line target but it was on one of his rare forays out wide that Zambia got the second goal with Mulenga providing the run and square pass and Chamanga finishing with an easy tap-in.
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A sudden lapse in concentration by Zambia's defence set up a nervy finish. Gabon substitute Fabrice do Marcelino found himself unmarked in the 83rd minute and was able to take advantage of time and space to score. Suddenly Gabon, outplayed the entire match, were within a shout of getting the point that would confirm them at the top of the group. They lifted their tired legs and forced two late free kicks but both were from distance and did not test Zambia's goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene.
"We are grateful we have been able to achieve something. Everyone though it was impossible but we have now proven it is possible," said Chris Katongo.
