Nineteen years after a plane crash which killed 18 members of their squad in Libreville, the Chipolopolo returned to the Gabon capital to record the most famous victory in the country’s history.
A dramatic shoot-out at the end of 120 minutes of largely underwhelming football went the way of Zambia when Gervinho shot wide and Stophira Sunzu stepped up to slot home.
The final proved a tale of penalty woe for Ivory Coast, chasing their first continental crown for 20 years, with Didier Drogba also failing from the spot during the 90 minutes.
But the win was ultimately no more than Zambia deserved for a plucky display against the odds.
In the end, the shoot-out was locked at 7-7 after 14 nerveless penalties before Kolo Toure saw his effort saved by Kennedy Mweene.
Rainford Kalaba fluffed his big moment by shooting over the bar but there was no second reprieve when Gervinho missed and Sunzu slotted in. Tweet
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I only followed this with a modicum of interest, but Zambia winning the tournament looks like something on a par with Greece winning the Euros in 2004. Check their squad and you'll see that most of them play for obscure Congolese outfits and the like. About the biggest foreign name there is Young Boys Berne. So, er, very well done Zambia!
Tough luck on the Touré brothers. Let's just hope they get back double-quick and can concentrate on driving City to glory.
Feel sorry for the boys but could turn out to be a blessing in disguise as it will hopefully make them more determined to pick up some silverware this season
well done yesterday boys great result.
Nothing worse than getting all the way to a final only to go out on penalties. Welcome back to the Toure Brothers. Onwards and upwards.
No mention of the Rooney tweet on the MUEN? What a classless guy he is!
If Balo had done the same it would be front page news.
Interesting that the MEN have chosen not to quote Rooney's twitter comments on this. They always say you should never criticise and mock your fellow pros but he clearly isn't bothered about as he thinks as usual he's above anything and anyone.
As the mighty Kolo took position for that penalty every Blue watching knew what the result would be.
The great unanwered question....................
"Why didn't Yaya take one" ??????????
Because he wasnt on the pitch?
Come on MUEN how about condemnation of Rooney's digraceful tweet!