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Zambia, Ethiopia Draw in Lackluster Africa Cup Match


The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament in South Aafrica is reaching greater heights as teams start intensifying their fight for the continent’s most prestigious trophy.

In Monday’s 5th game of the tournament, one of Zimbabweans’ favourite teams, Zambia, the current Afcon champions, dissapointed its fans when they drew 1-1 with Ethiopia at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga Province.

From the first whistle the Ethiopians did not hide their hunger for goals. They were rewarded with a penalty in the 32nd minute but Zambian goalkeeper Kenedy Mwene denied them a goal.

The Ethiopians’ ambition for a win was dealt a blow when they went down to ten men in the first half after their goalkeeper was red-carded for a professional foul.

The Zambians quickly took advantage of their numbers on the field of play and their lead striker, Collins Mbesuma, put them on the lead just before half time when he scored from close range

But the Ethiopians defied their minority when Adane Girma equalised in the 64th minute.

Zimbabwean national, Bongani Nxumalo, said though he was not pleased with Zambia’s overall performance, the team shows it can take the AFCON cup for the second year running.

However, another Zimbabwean fan and journalist, Ndumiso Mlilo, said, in their current form, the Chipolopolo boys will go back home very soon.
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By the end of the match it was the Ethiopians who celebrated most.

Zambia are in group C together with Ethiopia, Bukina Faso and Nigeria. The team faces its toughest opponent Nigeria on Friday at the same venue.
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