Amos Annan
What: African Cup of Nations Semi-final
Who: Zambia vs Ghana
When: Wednesday 8th February, 2012, at 16:00 UK Time
Where: Estadio de Bata, Bata, Equatorial Guinea
Copper Bullets to Shoot Down Stars
Since the start of the tournament, the Zambians have signalled their intent with some very exciting football. The Copper Bullets, or Chipolopolo as they are affectionately known, have never won the competition, but have been to the final on two occasions, the last of which came in 1994. They will thus be eyeing a third final appearance, hoping to have luck on their side this time to win the trophy. And they would be worthy champions too – if they managed it.
However, with a resilient-looking Ghana team standing in their way, this promises to be a tight affair. Throughout the competition, the Chipolopolo have played impressively, even in awful pitch conditions in their 2-2 draw against Libya. The highlight of their campaign has arguably been the 2-1 victory over pre-tournament favourites Senegal, in which they dominated with some impressive passing and movement. Zambia are indeed going to prove very hard to beat.
Luck to Run Out?
The Black Stars of Ghana seem not to have got out of first gear yet, but have made it all the way to the semi-final stage nonetheless. This is their third successive last four appearance, and if they progress, the country will be making it to their second successive final. That could yield the dream final predicted from the competition’s outset, that is, Ghana versus the Ivory Coast.
Despite being favourites in the tournament, the Black Stars have turned in some lacklustre performances. The most comfortable win came against Mali and even in that game, Ghana only got going after scoring their first goal. The most remarkable story of their road to the semi-final is probably the highly fortuitous win over Tunisia last Sunday in which the Tunisian goalkeeper dropped a routine save to allow the winning goal to be scored in the second half of extra time. It remains to be seen if Ghana’s luck will hold up against Zambia or else they will have to put in the performance expected of them.
Recent form
Zambia:
Libya 2-2 Zambia (25/01; Group A)
Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Zambia (29/01; Group A)
Zambia 3-0 Sudan (04/02; Quarter-final)
Ghana:
Ghana 2-0 Mali (28/01; Group D)
Ghana 1-1 Guinea (01/02; Group D)
Ghana 2-1 Tunisia (05/02; Quarter-final)
Players to watch
Zambia – Christopher Katongo: The Zambian captain orchestrated another vital win for his side in the 3-0 drubbing of ten-man Sudan in the quarter-final, scoring one goal in the process. The Sudan faithful are wishing for more of the same, and if allowed to dictate affairs in the middle of the park, he could prove the difference.
Ghana – Andre Dede Ayew: The son of Black Stars legend Abedi Ayew Pele has gradually grown into the team as the tournament has progressed, proving with his sheer determination and work rate a handful for opposition defenders. Although gifted the winning goal over Tunisia, the Marseille winger was a thorn in the flesh of defenders all night, and could prove hard to handle for the Zambians. His link-up play with striker Asamoah Gyan, if successful, will be key to providing victory.
Match Prediction
Zambia take on the Ghana in the more mouth-watering of the semi-final ties and if this lives up to expectations, there may be a few goals in it. The Zambians go in as slight underdogs and this could be their undoing if they give too much respect to the Ghanaians. Zambia 1-2 Ghana.
This African Cup of Nations semi-final looks an exciting game. Who comes out on top in Zambia v Ghana? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
