2012 Afcon Nations Cup winner is Zambia, Zambia won the African Nations Cup for the first time on Sunday, beating highly fancied Ivory Coast 8-7 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the final. It was the first Nations Cup triumph for the Zambians after two previous final defeats. Ivory Coast might have won the game inside 90 minutes but captain Didier Drogba skied a 70th-minute penalty well wide. Zambia outplayed their opponents for large parts of the game to complete a sensational tournament which they had started as rank outsiders.

The Chelsea man has hailed Cote d'Ivoire's strong character shown at this year's tournament, hinting that the Elephants' 20-year wait for silverware may be about to end if their form continues Cote d’Ivoire’s Didier Drogba: We have shown character at 2012 Afcon The Chelsea talisman is praising his team-mates for putting up a strong fight in the continental showpiece, leading them to the semi-final stage Cote d’Ivoire captain Didier Drogba has applauded his team-mates for showing a great deal of character, resulting in eight goals which has led them to a semi-final berth at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. He said it is about time the Elephants broke their 20 years continental trophy drought and sustaining the tempo will earn them their second tournament prize. The Chelsea talisman missed a penalty in their quarter-final game against co-hosts Equatorial Guinea but recovered quickly to slot in two goals which gave them the win. He was grateful to his colleagues for spurring him on. “My team-mates encouraged me and were very supportive,” the 33-year-old said. “I had to get back in the game and I owe them these goals. I'm glad I did it for them and I am proud of my team-mates.” “In 2006, we were in the final and lost. In 2008, we scored many goals but failed to reach the final. Here we have shown character,” Drogba said. The Elephants will square off with Mali on Wednesday in the semi-finals.