The Zambia National Football team was yesterday eliminated from the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. They lost 2-1 to Guinea, their second defeat in as many games. The result of Zambia's third (and last) match against South Africa, which has also been bundled out of the tournament after suffering two straight, will be purely academic.
They started well enough, playing good, attacking football. Their industry paid dividends in the 33rd minute: a headed goal by Elijah Tana, the captain, from a corner kick. One-nil. Unfortunately, it was not to be. In the second half, Guinea equalised from a penalty kick and then won the game with a goal scored two minutes from full time.
I can sum up the mood of the country in response to these exploits, or rather lack thereof, in a single word: angry. No. Make that two words: very angry. I think some compassionate countries around the world will very shortly be receiving desparate pleas for asylum from the 30 or so individuals in the Zambian squad. These men, and they are all men, are definitely persona non grata in Zambia. If they dare to return home, they may well become persona non exista. For any reader who at this point might be inclined to think I am engaging in any sort of incitement, I hasten to add that all of this is said in jest. However, it might be advisable for the team to stay away, for an extra week say, to let things cool down a little bit...
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