The Chipolopolos of Zambia masterminded the major surprise of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations after beating Senegal 2-1 in their Group A encounter on Saturday at the Estadio de Bata.
The Zambians shot into a two goal lead at half time courtesy efforts from Emmanuel Mayuka and Rainford Kalaba before the Teranga Lions rallied one back through Dame Ndoye in the latter stages of the game.
The Chipolopolos made a mockery of the star-studded frontline of the Teranga Lions which included Demba Ba of Newcastle United, MoussaSow of Lille and captain Mamadou Niang of Qatari side, Al-Sadd by keeping them at bay throughout the first half.
They took over the midfield with petit midfielder Rainford Kalaba leading onslaughts aided by Mayuka and captain Christopher Katongo.
As early as the 12th minute, the Zambians were up and it was Mayuka who silenced the highly rated Senegalese with a loose header from a free-kick.
Eight minutes later, it was 2-0 after Kalaba beat an offside trap before firing past onrushing goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul.
Despite the dreadful attacking force of the Senegalese, it was the Zambians who continued to make inroads upfront and just before recess, Coundoul was to his side’s rescue with a diving save of a goalbound shot from Mayuka at close range.
The second half was a balanced game with the Senegalese upping the game in their quest to reduce the deficit. Coach Amara Traore brought on Newcastle new recruit Papiss Demba Cisse and the latter’s first touch almost gave birth to the equalizer.
Cisse chipped over his marker but the connecting header from Ba hit the crossbar with Zambian goalie Kennedy Mweene completely beaten. From that point it was only a matter of time the Teranga Lions will roar and in the 74th minute Ndoye scored from close range.
The Teranga Lions fought on to at least salvage a point but their efforts were fruitless as Zambia cruised on to a famous victory.
Zambia now leads the pack with three points, same points as co-hosts Equatorial Guinea who beat Libya by a lone goal in the tournament opener
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