The Zambian national soccer team, nicknamed Chipolopolo and meaning “the copper bullets” (copper is one of Zambia’s biggest industries), was one of the participants in the bi-annual Africa Cup tournament. A favored team to win the tournament, Zambia made it deep into the tourney, only to be eliminated by Guinea in the quarterfinals.

I went to a local 7-Eleven to watch the big game. Interestingly, our favorite convenience store stateside is a liquor store operation in Zambia, with a very popular bar in the back.

The crowd was spirited and loud. Unfortunately, the Zambians were unable to score in regulation against a vastly inferior team. After an extra period of play, the two teams were still scoreless, forcing the match to penalty kicks. After seven rounds of kicks, Guinea got a goal. The bar emptied out so quickly it was if someone had yelled “fire!”.

I bought a Zambian heart to help root for the team, but it didn’t seem to help.

A post-game Springbok shooter with Sarah and Anxious to toast the end of the tourney.