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Zambia Kings of Africa (PHOTOS)

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Zambia's national soccer team celebrate after winning the 2012 African Cup of Nations tournament final match against Ivory Coast at the Stade De L'Amitie Stadium in Gabon's capital Libreville, February 12, 2012.

Zambia's national soccer team celebrate after winning the 2012 African Cup of Nations tournament final

Zambia delighted in winning their first Africa Cup of Nations title by beating tournament favourites Ivory Coast on penalties.

After 14 kicks were converted, Kolo Toure and Gervinho failed to find the target for the Elephants as Zambia's Rainford Kalaba also blazed over.

But Stoppila Sunzu found the top corner to complete an amazing 8-7 victory.

It was a heartbreaking end for Ivorian skipper Didier Drogba, who missed a spot-kick in normal time.

And it means the wait goes on for an Ivory Coast team replete with many Premier League and European stars, with the country losing the 2006 final to Egypt in the same way and last winning the tournament 20 years ago.

But for the Chipolopolo, who have already been runners-up twice, it concluded a tournament where they were inspired by the loss of the 1993 Zambian team after a plane crash close to the venue of the final in Libreville.

The last time the southern African country reached the final in 1994, it was just a year after 18 Zambian teams members died as they took off from the Gabonese capital.

En route to the final, the current team had spoken of the strength they had gained in remembering that tragedy.

And in winning the shootout, they showed a steely determination to beat they supposedly more illustrious opponents with a performance that was built on an indefatigable sprit.


Zambia national team players celebrate their victory with team coach Herve Renard (R) at the end of the African Cup of Nations final football match between Zambia and Ivory Coast on February 12, 2012, at the Stade de l'Amitie in Libreville. Zambia won the match during the final penalty shootout.

Zambia national team players celebrate their victory with team coach Herve Renard


Zambia national football team players celebrate their victory with team coach Herve Renard (C) at the end of the African Cup of Nations final football match between Zambia and Ivory Coast on February 12, 2012, at the Stade de l'Amitie in Libreville.


Zambia players, from left, Collins Mbesuma, Nathan Sinkala, Emmanuel Mayuka, Francis Kasonde,  Davies Nkausu, and Evans Kangwa celebrate winning the African Cup of Nations after beating Ivory Coast in the tournament final soccer match at Stade de l'Amitie in Libreville, Gabon Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012.


Zambia captain Christopher Katongo, center, holds the trophy of the African Cup of Nations after the team won their final soccer match against Ivory Coast at Stade de l'Amitie in Libreville, Gabon, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012.


An Ivorian supporter reacts after watching a telecast of the final match of the African Cup of Nations between Ivory coast and Zambia, in Abidjan January 12, 2012.


Zambia's captain Christopher Katongo holds the trophy after his side's victory in their African Nations Cup final soccer match against Ivory Coast at the Stade De L'Amitie Stadium in Libreville February 12, 2012.


Zambian fans watch the team's African Cup of Nations final soccer match against Ivory Coast  on a television in the capital  Lusaka, Zambia, Monday, Feb. , 13, 2012. Zambia won the African Cup of Nations Sunday, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a nerve-racking final at Stade de l'Amitie.


Zambia's captain Christopher Katongo kisses the African Cup of Nations trophy as Gabon President Ali Bongo, right, applauds, after Zambia beat Ivory Coast in the tournament final soccer match at Stade de l'Amitie in Libreville, Gabon Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012.

Photos courtesy of Reuters and Getty Images



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