It came down to penalties in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, and Gervinho clearly refused to take a spot-kick when Ivory Coast manager Francois Zahoui had requested him to step up. Finally, the Arsenal winger did take his turn as the 17th participant in the shoot-out and his strike was horribly wide. Stophira Sunzu won the African championship for Zambia on the next and final kick of the match.
I really don’t know what’s worse- refusing to take the penatly or wildly missing the penalty. Gervinho was one of the Ivory Coast’s most dangerous attacking players throughout the ninety minutes, yet he was one of the last players to step up to take on the pressure of converting a spot-kick. Apparently, even Gervinho is aware of his own inability to consistently finish chances.
Ironically, Kolo Toure, who went just before Gervinho, was the other Ivory Coast player to not convert his penalty. Thankfully for Kolo, Zambia’s Rainford Kalaba blew the opportunity to seal the win on the next kick. How did two players who have worn the red-and-white kit of Arsenal fail to perform in the dying moments of an international final?
However, Gunners weren’t the only ones to disappoint the supporters of Les Elephants. Gervinho won a penalty after making a darting run into Zambian box, but Drogba’s effort from the spot sailed high over the net. It’s the second time the Chelsea striker has missed a penalty in an Africa Cup of Nations final.
Even with the presence of Gervinho and former Gunners Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue on the side of the Ivory Coast, it’s difficult not to have your heart warmed by Zambia’s historic triumph.
In 1993, all but a couple members of the Zambian national side died in an aircraft disaster in Gabon on their way to a World Cup Qualifying match. The final on Sunday took place in a stadium not far from where the accident occurred.
Add to that the fact that a majority of Zambia’s players apply their trade in the Zambian league, and Hollywood script writers have a ready-made story for their next dramatic film. Up against players who have adorned some of the most famous kits of Europe, Zambia conquered the mighty Ivory Coast on their way to their first African title.
In spite of all the talk about handshakes and racism, football has again proven to be a highway for dreams and fairy tales.
