Time to be brave in this clash of styles

There is something almost supernatural about Zambia’s push for the 12th of February Afcon final date in Gabon.

The vast majority of a certain generation still harbour really strong feelings about the Zambian team crash off the coast of Gabon in 1993 that wiped out a fantastic generation of players. Just as the Manchester United team is defined by the crash in Munich in 1958, so is the Zambian team that was on course for the US ’94 World Cup before that crash.

Englishman Ian Potterfield did brilliantly well to galvanise the team, that was led by Kalusha Bwalya and included Elijah Litana, Harrison Chongo and Mordon Malitoli, to reach the ’94 final where they lost gallantly to Nigeria.

In the next edition, they took advantage Ramadan to beat Egypt in the quarterfinal but Tunisia, in an incredible show of counter-attacking football, destroyed them in the semifinal. This current side were very unlucky to lose on penalties to Nigeria in the last edition’s quarterfinals, as they had battered the Super Eagles and really should have won in normal time if their finishing had been better.

The relaxed approach that Frenchman Herve Renard exudes seems to allow his players to go right out and express themselves on the pitch. At a time when most countries play variations of the 4-3-3 formation with a single striker, Zambia play with a front two and a four-man midfield – a very fluid formation that is based on the exceptional speed, stamina, skills and invention of the front duo of Mayuka and skipper Katongo.

The team defends with a high line but that is most likely because they trust in the speed of their defenders, led by the giant Stoppila and his group on the recovery. One way of describing the Chipolopolo of Zambia is that they are a unit. They are a determined bunch and their dismantling of Senegal in the first game showed their belief in their team.

The Black Stars of Ghana are the second favourites behind Ivory Coast. Like the Ivorians, they have not lit up the competition until now. I have a feeling they have to raise their game to get past the Zambians. Obviously Asamoah Gyan is not fully fit; besides, how long is he expected to carry the goal scoring burden of a nation?

His movements have not been what we are used to seeing and so one feels that maybe Ghana needs to have a striker beside him. Maybe push the gifted Asamoah Kwadwo closer to him. The Udinese forward has far more in his locker than he has shown and so he or Dedey Ayew need to get into the box more.

Ghana play their 4-3-3 with a strictness that can constrain players when things are not going well and, as pointed out above, it also leaves the central striker isolated. Gyan, in his current state, might not get much change out of the Zambian backline on his own, while Sulley Muntari is over the hill.

Jordan Ayew should start in his place. It is at the back that Ghana have a lot to worry about, given the speed and variation of the opposition attack. John Mensah’s leadership will be vital if he is fit enough to play.

On paper, a repeat of the ’92 final is on the cards. However, football is not played on paper. Fortune will favour the braver side.