Against all predictions, the Chipolopolo of Zambia earned a final place in the ongoing African Cup of Nations at the expense of highly rated Ghana.
Emmanuel Mayuka came off the bench to score the lone goal of the encounter in the 78th minute of play in front of a scanty crowd in Bata.
The substitute collected a pass and steered a shot into the bottom corner 12 minutes from the end after Asamoah Gyan missed a first-half penalty.
Despite the Black Stars’ dominance and the penalty miss, Zambia’s Chris Katongo had another great opportunity in the first half but fired off-target.
The Chipolopolo have never won the competition but the two-time runners-up have now reached the final of the competition for the first time since 1994 when they lost to Nigeria.
While for Ghana, who reached the 2010 final and have not won the Cup of Nations for 30 years, it was another crippling blow in similar circumstances to their World Cup exit in 2010.
Ghana, who were without the injured Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, dominated possession in the first period with brothers Andre and Jordan Ayew showing some neat link-up play as they strove to get in behind the Zambian defence.
But Herve Renard’s team stood firm and after Nathan Sinkala tested goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, they could have taken the lead on the break.
With the game in a lull it was a surprise that Gyan was replaced with 15 minutes left, especially as Zambia struck with the second half’s only major chance.
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