The Chipolopolos of Zambia are back in the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in eight years after a stupendous display against host of the next edition Cote D'Ivoire in Ndola this afternoon.
The 2012 African champions mauled the Elephants by an emphatic 3-0 in match-day five of the qualifiers at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to confirm their qualification.
Heading into the game, Zambia needed this victory at all cost to leapfrog Cote D'Ivoire from the top and to also seal the ultimate spot.
An own goal from experience defender Serge Aurier coupled with two other from Leicester City forward Patson Daka and Serbian-based Klins Kangwa was enough to hand the homesters all three maximum points.
Avram Grant men are currently on top of Group H of the qualifiers with 12 points, two adrift second-placed Ivory Coast with a game to spare.
The Copper Bullets last senior Africa Cup of Nations appearance was in 2015 in Equatorial Guinea- where they finished at the bottom of Group B with two points; having picked draws and defeat in the group phase.
They will hope to make a strong statement as they return in the 2023 edition which will be held next year- just like they surprised everyone to win in 2012 with a precious win over the same Cote D'Ivoire in a marathon of penalty shootouts to win for the first time in their history.
