Champions of Africa
on Rob Wootton (Zambia), 12/Feb/2012 19:49, 34 days ago
It is a very good time to be in Zambia. The mood and atmosphere around the country feels even friendlier and happier than usual and all because Zambia beat the Ivory Coast late last night in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. The game went to penalties and the less well known Zambian players held their nerve to win. For hours after the game the streets of Lusaka thronged with smiley, happy, flag waving people– high on the victory and more than likely after a few drinks as well. The noise of the vuvuzelas did not stop all night, nor did the honking of car horns, and both could still be heard in the morning. The day after people were still wearing their football shirts and cars were adorned with flagsand chitenges showing the national colours. I doubt much work was done as people chatted about the night before and where they were, watched the highlights and reports on the game, and also remained glued to the TV waiting to find out when the nation’s new heroes would be returning home. Zambiais now on the map and in peoples’ minds for all the right reasons – everyone is happy and proud.