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Reflections on Zambia's Africa Cup of Nations Victory

Yesterday, on 12th August, 2012, marked exactly 6 months since Zambia won the Africa Cup of Nation's for the very first time on 12th February, 2012! It was a momentous time for Zambian's within and outside the border's. I happened to be outside the border's of Zambia when this great victory occurred. I was in Cape Town, South Africa where I had gone for studies at University of Cape Town. In addition, this day I celebrated my birthday. I watched the game in the hostel's common room with only one other Zambian student, Kenyan's and Ugandans. After Zambia's historic win of Ivory Coast by a scoreline of 8-7 through penalty shoot outs, all of us hugged each other with happiness as we were all supporting Zambia. What are my reflections of this win by Zambia six months down the line?
1. Even under dogs can achieve great things
When the tournament started not many could put their money on Zambia lifting the coveted trophy. Zambia was regarded as an under dog. Having not performed that well in previous tournaments and getting upto the quarter finals in the 2010 edition of the games, soccer analysts were looking elsewhere for the Africa Cup Winners. But it was not so! Against all odds Zambia won the Cup by beating highly rated Ivory Coast! The underdogs had won! The UK-Zambia site summed it up well: “In emphatic fashion, Zambia’s Chipolopolo indelibly etched their name in Africa’s football history by defeating a star-studded Ivory Coast team 8-7 in a penalty shoot-out, against all expectations and became the second Southern African country to win the African Cup of Nations.” In life we can score victories like that. Perhaps society, class mates, workmates, friends  or relatives regard us as under dogs and not as good as others in doing certain things! But we can surprise ourselves and them by performing much better than they can ever imagine.

2. Perseverance goes a long way
The Zambian team through out the tournament showed signs of perseverance and wanting to go all the way! This was seen in games against Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast! many times victory or success eludes many because of lack of perseverance. It maybe in studies or in business. Some want to strike gold the first time they launch a business. But life has taught us that many that succeeded in business had to persevere in order to get to where they are. Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without perseverance.

  3. Life is a mixture of weeping and rejoicing
When the entire Zambian national team perished on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Gabon 19 years ago in April 1993, the nation was gripped with mourning. Such had never happened to the national team before. Especially to those that were closely related to the fallen heroes, the sense of grief could not really be told. But fast forward to 12 February, 2012 and Zambian soccer fans are rejoicing at lifting the African Cup for the first time, and that in Gabon! Such is life! A mixture of sorrow and joy! Just as we readily accept times of joy so must we readily embrace time's of sorrow!

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