AFCON 2012: Zambia's Mayuka in heaven after historic goal Last updated Thursday Feb,9 ,2012 4:41 am
Emmanuel Mayuka says he knew it was game, set and match after scoring the lone goal against 10-man Ghana in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Bata on Wednesday.
Zambia beat Ghana 1-0 in a match in which Herve Renard's side were second best, but persevered to win in dramatic fashion after the 21-year-old striker from Young Boys in Switzerland struck a sweet volley in the 78th minute to take Chipolopolo to the final.
Mayuka told MTNFootball.com at Estadio de Bata that it was an overwhelming feeling to have scored the winning goal with Zambia under the cosh until they got what would turn out to be their ticket to Libreville on Sunday.
"I cannot really tell you how it felt," Mayuka said. "I am really speechless especially after the final whistle I have to think a little bit about that."
The goal was Mayuka's third of this Nations Cup, level with Zambia captain Christopher Katongo ,and both players are now in line for the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
Mayuka came on at the start of the second half for an ineffective James Chamanga, who was making his first start after coming on as a substitute in Zambia's 3-0 quarterfinal win over Sudan in Bata in which he scored Zambia's third and final goal in the 88th minute.
Meanwhile, Mayuka said scoring the goal was easy despite the pressure as time ticked away and the Black Stars continued to push as they smelt blood.
"When I had to ball, I saw the defender backing off a little bit and then I just said to myself take a shot," Mayuka said. "And then I just said to myself thank you God and I knew this was our day."
MTNfootball.com
Emmanuel Mayuka says he knew it was game, set and match after scoring the lone goal against 10-man Ghana in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Bata on Wednesday.