Zambia's Road to Liberation

Most Americans are unaware that the African Cup of Nations is taking place right now. Soccer, or football as it known there, is one of the lifebloods at the very heart of the continent. People of all ages, no matter how rich or poor, play the sport they lovingly call the beautiful game. Zambia isn't considered to be one of the traditional powers of the tournament. They are currently tied for 71st in the FIFA world rankings. Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets), as they like to be called, don't have any recognizable star players. Emmanuel Mayuka plays in Switzerland, Christopher Katongo plays in China, and the rest of the players are scattered amongst small clubs in Russia and other parts of Africa.

In this year's tournament, Zambia had overachieved to reach a semifinal game today. They were set to play Ghana. The Black Stars, who are currently ranked #26 in the world, made it to the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Ghana seemed set to take the lead early when they drew a penalty kick in the eighth minute. However, the shot by Asamoah Gyan was saved by Zambian goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene. The teams went to halftime scoreless. Following the intermission, Mayuka came in off the bench. In the 78th minute, he got his opportunity and buried it. Zambia held off Ghana's persistent efforts to find an equalizer and pulled off the unlikely upset.

Now, the Copper Bullets travel to Libreville, Gabon to play tournament-favorite Ivory Coast (#18 in the world) in the tournament final. This is significant because it is the very same location of the most tragic chapter in Zambian football history. In 1993, the plane carrying the national team crashed just minutes after taking off. 25 players and team officials died. The tragedy still remains fresh in the minds of many Zambians.

When asked to address the incident, current head coach Herve Renard stated, "There's something written that we have to go to play to honor the memories of the Zambia national team that died in 1993. It was catastrophic for the nation. The 12 million people of Zambia are waiting for us to go back to Libreville. Immediately (after) we arrive, we will go to the place. We just have to think of them and play for them and play for Zambia because it's a fantastic country."

All that remains to be seen is if the Zambians can pull off another incredible upset on Sunday. Ivory Coast will be the heavy favorites in the matchup. Les Elephants have yet to concede a goal in the tournament. The Copper Bullets road to Libreville has brought liberation and redemption to the memory of millions of Zambians. If their team does win Sunday, they will celebrate the first championship in their nation's history