Everyone loves an underdog story. Under the lights Sunday night in Libreville, Gabon one a perfect underdog story concluded as Zambia defeated Ivory Coast in penalty kicks to win the African Cup of Nations. Once a team that was mocked by their media and fans and written off as less than average; the 71st ranked team in the world overcame the odds to become Africa’s best. What makes an underdog a truly great underdog comes down to three crucial parts: adversity, inspiration, and glory.
Part 1: Adversity
Zambia soccer’s adversity goes back to 1993 during a typical flight to Senegal for a World Cup qualifier. Due to engine problems the plane crashed leaving 30 dead and no survivors, a majority of the fatalities included players and coaches of the Zambia soccer team. This tragedy has been a shadow over the program since that fateful April day in both fans and those involved with the team. Along side of their dark past, Zambia came into the tournament with low expectations from the experts and the fans. It seemed that Zambia lacked the star power and depth to make significant noise; getting out of the group stages would have been proclaimed an overachievement.
Part 2: Inspiration
Out of adversity and doubt surfaces inspiration, as the players of Zambia used the tragedy of 1993 and low expectations as fuel for success. Before Zambia’s semi-final match versus Ghana, the team visited the crash site on the coast of Libreville. There each player paid tribute to the lost and received inspiration and motivation to do what their fellow countrymen never had the opportunity to do–become champions. Throughout the tournament Zambia played as a team inspired, playing above their capabilities as they eventually found themselves starring down a finals matchup with the powerhouse Ivory Coast national team.
Part 3: Glory
Through inspiration men can achieve glorious things. In the same city that saw 18 Zambian soccer players lives end, it saw 22 Zambian soccer players lives fulfilled as Zambia outscored Ivory Coast 8-7 in penalty kicks. After 90-plus minutes of a grinding battle with both teams missing prime chances to score, the African Cup would be decided between the 36 feet of a keeper and a shooter; but this shootout would be won in the 12 inches between the temples. Both teams were tied after perfect seven rounds of PKs where each shooter scored for their side including Zambia keeper Kennedy Mweene who scored in the fourth round. After Kolo Toure’s low shot was blocked by Mweene, Zambia midfielder Rainford Kalaba had a chance to win the cup. Zambia players fell to their knees with arms around each other in prayer for Kalaba’s shot. All their dreams and desires fell short as Kalaba’s shot flew high above the crossbar and therefore setting the score even to afourth sudden death round. But their chance for victory would come again as Arsenal forward Gervinho shanked the next PK for Ivory Coast, giving the Zambians hope once again. Defender Stophira Sunzu quickly set up the ball for the next kick as his teammates watched in anticipation. Sunzu muttered a prayer as he stepped back for the shot; when he approached the ball, the entire stadium fell silent as the two players made their move. The Ivory Coast keeper dove left as Sunzu’s shot flew to the right with power. The cheers of Zambians were heard around the world while Zunzu’s teammates ran towards him in celebration. Zambia’s head coach and Frenchmen Herve Renard carried injured player Joseph Musonda to celebrate with his team, symbolizing the power of Zambia’s teamwork and heart. There all the players once again said a prayer in memory of those lost in the 1993 tragedy as they celebrated a remarkable victory won for their nation.
Zambia faced adversity, raised inspiration, and found glory. The perfect equation to a perfect underdog story as Zambia fought against all the odds to become the champions of Africa.
The Zambia players celebrate their championship with their fellow countrymen.
