The Chipolopolo of Zambia are set to reach the last four since 1996. MTNFootball.com says the major reasons are there for all to see –
1-Rainford Kalaba
When the little engine Rainford Kalaba gets a cold, Zambia suffer.
The diminutive playmaker from TP Mazembe in DR Congo has been Zambia’s creative force. He has been so outstanding in all their last three games despite scoring just a goal. He is the heart of this Chipolopolo team.
2-Herve Renard
Second comings in football are never the same, but not for Herve Renard.
The fiery Frenchman returned for a second spell in November to replace his successor Dario Bonetti.
Renard has repeated his 2010 feat in Angola and secured Zambia’s second successive quarterfinal place.
‘Mr. Motivator’ Renard looks fired up to go one better and defy the odds this time round.
3-Christopher Katongo
Like fine wine, Zambia’s captain is getting better with age and has already scored two goals in this tournament.
He showed great leadership on January 29, when he scored the lone goal in Zambia’s 1-0 win over a plucky co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in both team’s final Group A match in Malabo.
4-Underdogs
No one gave Zambia a chance against a star studded Senegal whom they beat 2-1 in their opening Group A match to set Chipolopolo’s tone in the competition.
A focused Zambia has shown that with just a modest two European-based players in the team, they still had the quality to punch above their weight.
5-Gabon
Nineteen years ago, the Zambia national team perished off the coast of Libreville in an air crash on their way to play a World Cup qualifying game against Senegal.
Zambia have said they want to honour their fallen brothers by reaching and winning the final in Libreville to give their heroes and legends, who included coaches Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu and Alex Chola who died in the same crash, a befitting salute with the 20th anniversary just a year away.