How I scored winner against Ghana – Emmanuel Mayuka

Mayuka celebrating

Emmanuel Mayuka, the Zambian hero in their 1-0 semifinal win over Ghana at the Nations Cup has spoken of what transpired in his mind in the moments leading up to the time that he scored in the 78th minute in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
“I cannot really tell you how it felt. I am really speechless especially after the final whistle I have to think a little bit about that.

“When I had the ball, I saw the defender backing off a little bit and then I just said to myself take a shot. And then I just said to myself thank you God and I knew this was our day”, added Mayuka.

Meanwhile, Coach Herve Renard was delighted that Mayuka reacted in the best possible way to being left on the bench in Zambia’s 1-0 win over Ghana in their AFCON semi-final tie on Wednesday.

Mayuka replaced James Chamanga at the beginning of the second half and slotted home the winner with 13 minutes of the match remaining after turning John Boye on the edge of the box and firing his effort inside the far post.

After the win, an ecstatic Renard admitted he was relieved his tactic of using Mayuka as a substitute worked.

The Young Boys striker had started all of Chipolopolo’s last four games before the semi-final and is currently the tournament’s joint top scorer on three goals with Christopher Katongo and Didier Drogba.

Renard said: “I called Emmanuel Mayuka in my room before the match and I told him, you have played four very good games but I want you to rest a bit to be ready for the last 30 minutes and you will have to come on and score.

“When you are coach sometimes you are right and sometimes you are wrong.

“I was right because he scored but I was wrong because he played 45 minutes and not 30 minutes. It is good he got some rest and scored a fantastic goal.”