February 9, 2012
Former Chipolopolo Boys coach Dario Bonetti led the tribute and hailed Zambia’s storming of the final as a ‘historic performance.’
Dutch based striker Jacob Mulenga, Fwayo Tembo, Willaim Nobvu and Emmanuel Mbola all joined and hailed their teammates.
Below are match reactions from Bonetti, Chris Katongoa and the man himself Herve Renard.
“Today is great for all the Zambian people and for me…I’m very happy for this history performance ….Zambia Oleeeeee’ said Dario Bonetti
“This is the greatest moment ever a player can have to play in the final,” Zambia captain Christopher Katongo said. “We go to the final without any pressure. We have to take this cup, this is an opportunity. It doesn’t come every day.”
Zambia coach Herve Renard was full of praise for his players.
“It’s amazing,” Renard said. “They did something fantastic (in reaching the semifinals), but now they did something amazing.”
“We were lucky,” he added. “Our goalkeeper saved us after a few minutes.”
“I called Emmanuel Mayuka to my room this morning and told him that he had played four very good games, but I just wanted him to rest a bit to be ready for the last 30 minutes,” Renard said. “When you are coach sometimes you are right sometimes you are wrong. This time I was right.”
Ghana captan John Mensah apologised immediately after the defeat
“We are sorry for the whole of Ghana for what happened today,” captain John Mensah said. “It’s unlucky that we lose this game. We promise them we will come back strongly next year.”
Ghana coach Goran Stevanovich snubbed the post-match news conference, while Gyan also avoided talking to the media.
Isaac Chansa worked hard in midfield and provided the assist for Mayuka's goal
Renard on the penalty and Kennedy Mweene’s magic
“It was the key to the game,” said Renard, who was again wearing his lucky white shirt. “If we concede a goal at this moment it would have been very difficult for us to come back.”
.”When we went to the dressing room during halftime, if the score was 2-0 to Ghana we couldn’t complain,” Renard said. “I said (to the players) if you don’t want to go home and regret (this) all your life, then you have to try something.”
—
Teams:
Zambia: Kennedy Mweene, Joseph Musonda, Davies Nkausu, Stophira Sunzu, Hichani Himoonde, Francis Kasonde (Chisamba Lungu, 66), Isaac Chansa, Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala, Christopher Katongo, James Chamanga (Emmanuel Mayuka, 46).
Ghana: Adam Kwarasey, John Mensah (Isaac Vorsah, 72), John Boye, Samuel Inkoom, Lee Addy, Derek Boateng, Andre Ayew (Sulley Muntari, 82), Kwadwo Asamoah, Anthony Annan, Asamoah Gyan (Prince Tagoe, 74), Jordan Ayew.
44 Comments on "Match reactions from the coaches and players"
| COPYRIGHT © 2007-2011 Zamfoot Sports Agency. All rights reserved. |
Rod on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 10:40 AM
Fantastic team, performing wonders! to God be the glory!!
Sinya - Never say Die on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 10:47 AM
Iye!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ziggy on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 10:50 AM
GLORY B 2GOD..KALABA DESERVZ 2B IN ENGLAND..SO IS MAYUKA.SINKALA TOO.KATONGO GERMANY Z YO DESTINY..TH GAT PACE..MWEENE TH HERO.TH ONLY CLEVER TONGA..LOL.GO ZAMBIA GO
cj from SA on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 11:06 AM
For sure if God be for us, who can be against us? Everyone else can tell that this is our time. Am happy that for the first time our team can absorb any pressure they are exposed to. It does not matter how we play but how to win. And this is a technic that has now developed in our team, how to win. The team played proffessional football of scoring just a goal and continue playing normally. This is the best team we ve developed. Go Chipolopolo and grab it, it ours.
1 Gunner on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 11:09 AM
We r a ware of da scouts at da tournament but 2 da boyz pliz tek tym & sign a club that will mek both u & da soccer fans proud.2 much of tp mazembe,psl,angola,sudan etc…pliz mek us even mo proud boyz.
Kachisa on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 11:33 AM
The commentator said the goal come out of nothing I say it come out of brilliance,skill & dedication from a lad who has passion for his country and team mates……
doycino on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 11:35 AM
bring the cup guys dont relax go zambia go
Mohamed Kazai on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 11:39 AM
zambia, zambia, zambia
Muchinga on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 11:43 AM
Tuli mu final. Great!
Flabbergasted on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 11:48 AM
Where are the Ghanian who were belittling our great team? Say something brothers…Chipolopolo iyee…Chipolopolo iyee.
Gyan seems to just know how to dance and not score. He’s now a musician not a footballer…ke ke ke
Jojo on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 11:55 AM
Did you notice Christopher Katongo leading the team as they performed the ‘HAKA’ war dance, Popularly performed by New Zealand and Samoa rugby teams.
DRAMA CONTINUES on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 12:36 PM
once more win, brazil 2013 confederation cup here we come
DRAMA CONTINUES on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 12:38 PM
meant one more win
K ways on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 12:50 PM
Gods time is the Best.
oga2012 on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 12:57 PM
2013 confederation cup z still 2 come.chipolopolo all de way.
warnin 2 o blogers fond of changin names in suppotin ur opponents dis tym no chance.
confed cup-2013 here we com.HR is goin poachin dis sunde wit main poacher mayuka loadin his gun 2 release de copa bullet so dat we get ivory horns from de elephant.
Brave Nchanga Rangers 4 Life on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 1:00 PM
Ba ROK cant wait for your analysis. Is it possible to commune be email? Mine is [email protected] have some variable info to share Ba ROK.
Brave Nchanga Rangers 4 Life on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 1:05 PM
That dance by the guys was so wonderful. Just the way Rugby guys do it, and in the end they shouted they have cut off the head of Ghana, what a sweet sweet victory. All strange visitors from Libya, Senegal, and now Ghana have disappeared from the site. Yes WE CAN!!!!!
Pungwa on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 1:06 PM
Football | Afcon
Kennedy Mweene © Backpagepix
$5 000 up for grabs in Afcon Prediction Game
Fixtures
Results
Video Highlights
PSL heaps praise on Zambia
——————————————————————————–
09 February 2012, 11:13
Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive Stan Matthews has heaped praise on the Zambian National Team after they defeated a spirited Ghana outfit to reach the final of the CAF 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
In what will be a classic ‘West vs Southern’ Africa, the Zambians will take on the star-studded Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday evening.
Matthews acknowledged that it was a proud evening for Chipolopolo, but at the same time a significant moment for the PSL.
This as seven players in the Zambian squad ply their trade in the PSL: Davis Nkausu (SuperSport United), Isaac Chansa (Orlando Pirates), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows), Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars), Collins Mbesuma (Golden Arrows), Kampamba Chintu (Bidvest Wits) and Noah Chivuta (Free State Stars). The number goes to eight when including Clifford Mulenga (Bloemfontein Celtic) who was in the original squad.
“The fact that it has been current and former PSL players contributing to the success of the Zambian team indicates the strength and the high standard of football in the PSL,” says Matthews.
“We are proud of their achievements as they have demonstrated to the continent and the world that the PSL is a competitive League to play in.
“It must be also be mentioned that 11 members of the Zambian Squad that will play in the final are either current PSL players or have played in the PSL before. Former players include, James Chamanga, Kanalillo Kakonje, Felix and Chris Katongo. You must add to that list Siaka Tiene of Cote d’Ivoire. At least one third of the composition of the two finalists have links to the PSL,” explained Matthews.
“This suggests without doubt that the PSL is a springboard for international and continental stardom and we must celebrate this. In terms of the final, the PSL will have the highest representation and provider of players to a team in the final,” added Matthews.
DaMwiinger on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 1:18 PM
Bloody South Africans!! They just can’t resist it, can they? Wanting to take the glory for the Zambian success, a country which they insult for fun!!! I just can’t stand these chaps. Viva Hipolopolo, abash xenophobic SA
Afisi on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 1:36 PM
We have shut the mouths which where showering negatives about ZAMBIA, Daniel Kaoma,Simata,Andrew Kamanga where are you. Critism own’t yield anything. You have not played football before. Kalu said it this coach is not taking us any where, better we bring back HR. so many twisted words came to KING KALU. Viva Kalu VIva FAZ. MACHA Chilemena alone runung up down to make sure he makes noise for Chipopolpolo in Yesrtady match
oga2012 on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 2:14 PM
I’m sory 2 say diz is a silly move by S.A.dey hav simply failed 2 appreciat ur achievement bt go on 2 tek credit for HR hardwork & tim spirit by ur boys afta all dere degradin remarks.shame S.A WATCH us in rio de jenero as we grab cnfed cup
Dinamo on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 2:21 PM
@ Afisi,ala the guys are having big humble pies kekekeke
ROK on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 2:41 PM
@Brave Nchanga Rangers for Life I have sent you an e-mail. As for the analysis, honestly, I am at loss for the right words as I am so thrilled with the achievement of the boys. I normally enjoy writing before the event and what I posted yesterday before the match is still holding. There are areas that we need to work on but looking at the euphoria in the country, one risk being misunderstood if these weaknesses take a central stage at this point in time. Of course and as usual, I will be sharing ideas on the clincher on Sunday.
Brave Nchanga Rangers 4 Life on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 2:43 PM
How can Stan Mathew (PSL fimo fimo) attribute Chipolopolo success to the PSL? Our players ply their tread in SA just for the money, otherwise the success of that team is due to team work and tactical approach to the games by HR. Now that we have achieved so much people want to get recognision awe twakana that. There is natural talent Pa Zed thats why they are able to dominate countries where there is bucks just like SA and Zaire (DRC Congo). i thought a recent survey shows that Zeddian league is superior to the PSL just the lack of bucks thats why players are not motivated enough.
Zagwa Zatha on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 2:49 PM
@Afisi, learn to celebrate without malice. Zambian football was seriuosly polarised and this sucess by the National Team should serve to unite all stakeholders in football, than present one camp as being victors and another as vanquished. If Kamanga and Simata are gentlemen, they should extend their hand and congratulate the Kalu camp for this success and the Kalu camp should also be conciliatory in how it deals with the other camp.
Forget about the differences, I know both Rupia and Sata are celebrating this these victories, how I wish these guys could pull a show of public unit by watching the final game together!!!!!in full view of cameras!!!!!!! do you know the effect that would have to the boys!!!!!!!!!
paul on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 3:00 PM
zambia is go to win
Jimmy on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 3:06 PM
Guys, with all due respect, you can never unattach the PSL from the Zambian Soccer, same as the TP Mazembe guys. Whom I feel are bigger in administration and otherwise than the two PSL teams. We have in the past made SA our home, players come here and those that are lucky use it as a transit route. For more than once now our national team has camped here. Before we cut throats. Let`s realise that Mathews` mention was with the objective of marketing the PSL. Which still ultimately benifits our players.
As things stand, the PSL and Congo league has contributed to our success as; their calenders have naturally allowed our players to join on time an blend more. Unlike the English & French leagues where you can evidently see that the players from those regions are tired. A factor that Zambia should capitalise on come Final day.
Soka Lava on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 3:22 PM
Let us celebrate without malice indeed. Let the dead bury themselves. The success of the our national team should not be used for political mileage,keep our players and joy away from the pitch. If a commission of inquiry was to be set up to audit FAZ,i am sure both positive and negative revelations would emanate now FIFA protects her subordinates with sanctions by government interference…
Moreover both positive and negative criticism is very healthy for any organisation for complacency may troop in. For now let us concentrate on the final match against cote d’voire.
Congrats to our national beacons of soccer.
Brave Nchanga Rangers 4 Life on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 3:23 PM
Ba Jimmy that we refuse. You cannot compare PSL to European laegues and you say better players be there than Europe, i thought even SA player’s dream is to ply their skills in Europe. This success cannot be attributed to PSL just team work and tactical know how by HR.
Brave Nchanga Rangers 4 Life on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 3:32 PM
Ba Jojo you call that HAKA oh well that was wonderful i liked that part where the guys showed a sign of cutting off the head, wooo they made my day yesterday!!!!!!
Steve Rush on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 4:37 PM
Well, now that all is said and done to date the elphants after shooting down the Lions,stopping the lightening of guinea and the lanky sudanese……ARE THE CHIPOLOPOLO BOYS GOING TO WEAR BLACK ARM BANDS IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN HEROES? I MEAN THE GABON DISAATER VICTIMS.
torres on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 5:56 PM
Cm on man this has nothin 2 do wit psl,y does the bafana bafana qualify 2 da afcon then?if this is due 2 da psl
torres on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 6:04 PM
Cm on man,this has nothin 2 do wit da psl,y does the bafana bafana fail 2 qualify 4 the afcon? if this is due 2 da psl
Brave Rangers 4 life on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 6:17 PM
Ba ROK I have not received your mail!
Brave Rangers 4 life on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 6:23 PM
Hey pipo have you noticed Mohamed Kazai from Libya who once belittled us chanting Zambia Zambia on the blog? Well we have shown them, its respect to the team chachine!
Amandla on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 7:38 PM
Wise words from coach HR! “I said (to the players) if you don’t want to go home and regret (this) all your life, then you have to try something.” Words matter!
Amandla on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 7:42 PM
Bakaamba Ba Kennedy shani ifyakukising’a camera Bakaamba! Muletumweneshamo zoona monga muli one of the Buchi Boys Bakaamba! Be cool mudala tamulefwaya tupange inzili?
Amandla on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 7:43 PM
These guys’ team spirit has been amazing! Look at the photo again! It tells you the all story!
Amandla on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 7:43 PM
Yes, thank God!!!
Postive thinking...aka. .Awe on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 8:14 PM
@Amandla…Kennedy Mweene has every right to celebrate even if it is ukukisinga camera. Even in Europe goalies do that in some instances…if you are feeling ma one because of it…ninshi you are alone in that boat.
Amandla on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 10:31 PM
The national team led by FAZ presdident, the minister & coach made it to the site of our departed pioneers. God bless their families, God bless Zambia. We will never forget you! Kelvin Mutale, you made me shed tears!
omali hassan on Thu, 9th Feb 2012 10:44 PM
Go zambia we r the best I no tha boyz will make tha poeple hap back home most of the poeple here in s.africa support the chipolopolo boyz.I wish I was home Go guyz Go
Zagwa Zatha on Fri, 10th Feb 2012 7:19 PM
While our collegues from malawi and South Africa are celebrating with us, our friends across the Zambezi-Zimbabwe are seething with envy!!!! Look at the article from the biggest paper, the Zimbabwean Heral
SOCCER CRAZY HARLOTS OFFER FREE SEX
Friday, 10 February 2012 00:00
PROSTITUTES in Lusaka’s Kanyama, John Laing, Chawama and Kalingalinga compounds on Wednesday night offered themselves free of charge to every Jim and Jack as part of their celebration after Zambia beat Ghana to advance into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. A check by The Independent Post (TIP) at nightclubs such as Kanyama’s Kanchembele and Chine Chikayeba found long queues of men waiting to have sex with a limited number of prostitutes.
A single prostitute served nearly 11 men and there were more than 200 men wanting to celebrate Zambia’s first qualification into the final since 1994 in style.
The situation was the same at John Laing’s Corogo night Club which is situated just opposite John Laing Basic School. But at Corogo, a man in his mid twenties was beaten up after he took long with the one of the prostitutes.
“Yes, we beat him up because he took too long. We were too many of us on line and the guy kept on wasting time,” said an eye-witness, identified only as James.
And in Chawama as well as Kalingalinga, TIP correspondents said only a handful of prostitutes were made to serve tens of Chipolopolo fans. But another soccer fan who claims not have taken part in the “mass servicing” of prostitutes said the development was unfortunate.
Mike Tembo suspected that many young people might have contracted the HIV virus and other STIs during the “sexual celebration.”
“I think when Zambia plays the final, free condoms need to be provided so that we can protect our young men. Many of them had sex with the prostitutes without condoms,” Tembo said. – The Independent Post.
Amandla on Fri, 10th Feb 2012 10:30 PM
Please newspapers stop the rot!