Businesses in Zambia grind to a halt as country celebrates Afcon victory

The whole of Zambia has grounded to a halt as the country celebrates its national team, the Chipolopolo’s first ever African Nations Cup victory. Commercial banks are also reported to have opened for half day.

The Chipolopolo Sunday night, February 12, 2012 beat Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in Libreville, Gabon after a goalless game that went into extra-time, giving the southern African country its first African Cup win.

Ms. Miriam Zimba, a media practitioner in the Zambian capital told ghanabusinessnews.com on telephone that most businesses did not open for business at all. Others including the banks, operated till 12 noon and closed, she said.

According to her,  some of the over 13 million citizens of the country including residents of other towns and provinces clad in national colours and regalia have descended on the capital Lusaka and are heading to the airport in convoys of buses to welcome the national team. The players were scheduled to arrive from Gabon by 12 noon local time. Zambian television is covering the arrival live, she said.

Another source said “most people are still drinking since last night. They are still celebrating the victory.”

Ms. Zimba said, ” Zambia is a Christian nation. God is a Zambian and he has showered his blessings upon this country.”

This is the third time that the Zambian national team has reached the finals of the African Nations Cup. The first  time was in 1974 when they played against Zaire, now DR Congo and in 1994 when they lost to Nigeria.

What makes this victory memorable and significant for the Zambians is the fact that the country lost its entire national team squad in a plane crash in 1993 in Gabon where this victory was won.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi