Zambia were among the latest sides to advance to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this week after bagging a hard-fought 1-0 win against Ivory Coast in Group G at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday evening.
The Elephants looked sharp during the opening exchanges of the game while Zambia battled to progress the ball out of their own half after 10 minutes on the clock.
It was a cagey affair between the two nations midway through the first half as they continued to battle for possession supremacy in the middle of the park.
However, the Ivorians threatened the Zambia backline in the 20th minute as Stopilla Sunzu was required to avert danger with a well-timed block inside his area.
Then, following a period of sustained pressure inside the Ivory Coast half, Zambia took the lead in the 43rd minute.
Joseph Banda found Kennedy Musonda with a clever pass en-route to goal before the attacker rifled the ball home.
Following a tough 45 minutes, Chipolopolo went into the break with a narrow advantage over the Elephants.
The Ivorians opened the second half on the front foot and immediately put Zambia on the backfoot with sustained periods of possession.
However, the Copper Bullets proved to be a tough nut to crack in defensive quarters leading up to the hour mark.
The Copper Bullets posed a direct threat during counter attacking situations and came close to doubling their advantage in the 79th minute.
After a dangerous move inside the Ivory Coast box, the Elephants were kept in the game by Yahia Fofana who pulled off a fantastic save in a one-on-one scenario.
After a nervy end to the game for Zambia, Chipolopolo held on to secure maximum points on home soil and book their ticket at next year’s showpiece.
Zambia: (1) (Musonda 43’)
Ivory Coast: (0) 0
Zambia: Nsabata, Sabobo (Mafwenta 92’), Kangwa, Kampamba (Chama46’), Kapumbu, Chongo, Mphande, Banda, Sunzu, Chisala, K.Musonda (F. Musonda 89’)
Ivory Coast: Y.Fofana, Operi, Ndicka, Diomande, Singo, S.Fofana (Traore 67’), Aholou (Konate 85’), Kessie, Adingra (Boga 46’), Krasso (Bayo 67’), Guessand (Diakite 46’)