2010 CAN corner : With Nigeria next, Zambia have a chance

I am sure this is exactly what the Zambians wished for; a meeting with Nigeria and not the reigning champions Egypt in the quarterfinals of the 2010 Nations Cup because it would be last we see of the Chipolopolo boys. Against an uninspiring Super Eagles, Zambia have a better chance to get a good result, whether it will be a shock or not other than when they would meet Egypt, who remain the only team with a 100 percent record in the competition. Herve Renard’s side along with Egypt have been the most exciting teams to watch, they’re playing football the right way and I am very sure whoever has seen the two teams in action will have no doubt as why they are into the next round. A deserved draw against Tunisia in the first game set the tone for the Chipolopolo boys, which was followed yet another good performance against Cameroon in a game they lost without deserving to. The performance deserved a win but a draw wouldn’t have been a bad result either. Against Gabon in the final group game, they proved why a positive approach can go along way to help one overcome any adversity although it came at a price, with Rainford Kabala and Kampamba Chintu both important players collecting bookings which rule them out of the Nigeria clash. It’s a shame but again, the Super Eagles have not shown us why any team would be afraid to take them on.Kalaba will be hugely missed, which leaves Jacob Mulenga, who scored in both the draw with Tunisia and the defeat to Cameroon and also had a superb game against Gabon with a lot to do. For a team that struggled to score goals during the qualifiers, Zambia have scored five goals in three matches and they’re improving by the other game. Cameroon, just like Nigeria have not yet impressed in this tournament and their meeting with Egypt (a repeat of the 2008 final in Ghana) should be the last we see of them as I don’t see how they can beat a well organized side, which despite missing out on the 2010 World Cup, is probably the best team on the continent. nku78@yahoo.com

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2010 CAN corner : With Nigeria next, Zambia have a chance