Even the director of this Zambia – Ivory Coast (3-0), this Saturday, was surprised. As he dwelled on the slow motion of an opportunity for the Elephants, he did not follow the opener of the Chipolopolos in the 31st minute of this match for the African Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers 2024, disputed in Ndola.
In slow motion, we realize the enormous combined ball of Ivorian captain Serge Aurier and goalkeeper Charles Folly Ayayi. On a fine opening from the Zambian Emmanuel Banda for his teammate Fashion Sakala Junior, the former right-back of Paris Saint-Germain tries a tackle which turns into a strike from 20 meters towards his own goal.
Surprised, the goalkeeper of Asec Mimosas messes up the ball, and allows the Zambians to open the scoring. After this terrible CSC of the current defender of Nottingham Forest, Folly Ayayi will be beaten two more times, by Patson Daka (48th) and Kings Kangwa (55th).
Ivory Coast and Zambia qualified
With this stinging setback, the Elephants lost the lead in Group H and were two points behind their executioner of the day before the final group stage. Not very serious, since they are already qualified for the CAN as the host country of the competition, which will take place from January 13 to February 21. With this great success this Saturday, the Zambians will also be celebrating. For revenge?