AFCON 2012 concludes in Libreville on Sunday evening when surprise package Zambia meet Ivory Coast. Zambia have already turned over some powerful footballing nations earlier in the tournament but will the final against a side who have always topped the betting boards to lift the trophy prove to be a bridge to far?

A terrific achievement best describes Zambia's performance in reaching this final but make no mistake, they are here on merit and whilst respectful to each every opponent, they have feared no-one. The most conclusive evidence to back up that statement came in their 1-0 semi final win over Ghana, a team who had always been second favourites (behind Ivory Coast) to be crowned champions of Africa. It's also worth pointing out that Zambia toppled the much fancied Senegal 2-1 in the all important opening group match. They went on to draw 2-2 with Libya in farcical weather conditions and saw off co-host Equatorial Guinea (1-0) to seal top spot in Group A. The quarter finals saw Zambia put Sudan away 3-0 and that set up the date with Ghana who subsequently became their biggest scalp so far. Ghana missed an early penalty in the semi final but Zambia took the game to their opponents and also defended heroically when they came under pressure. Pictures of the wild celebrations at full time which were topped with a rendition of the All Black's Haka summed up the Chipolopolo team spirit. This will be their third appearance in the final having lost twice before in 1974 and 1994.

Zambia have played all their tournament matches so far in Malabo or Bata, Equatorial Guinea and this will be their first visit across the border to Gabon. The squad plan to visit the scene of a plane crash tragedy which took the lives of Zambian players and officials in Gabon 19 years ago and whatever happens in the game itself, they have done themselves and the whole of Zambia proud already. They way Zambia have been playing, it would be unwise to dismiss their chances of another upset, but can they really topple Ivory Coast?

The Elephants can boast a 100% win record in the tournament so far on top of a defensive record which shows they have yet to concede a goal in any of their five matches. They have led at half time in each of their games which have seen them come out on top against Sudan (1-0), Burkina Faso (2-0) and Angola (2-0) in the group stage, Equatorial Guinea (3-0) in the quart finals and Mali (1-0) in the semi final. Ivory Coast last reached the final in 2006 when they lost to Egypt and the only time they lifted this trophy came back in 1992.

The Betting, To Lift the Trophy (any method)

Zambia 100/30 Hollywood

Ivory Coast 1 / 4 World Sports Betting

Match Result (90 minutes)

Zambia 6/1 World Sports Betting

Draw 13/5 Sportingbet, Ladbrokes

Ivory Coast 6/10 BetXchange

Selected Others (90 minutes)

Correct Score Ivory Coast to win 1-0, 4/1 BetXchange

Corrext Score Ivory Coast to win 2-0, 5/1 Sportingbet, BetXchange, World Sports Betting, Hollywood

HT/FT Ivory Coast/Ivory Coast 14/10 BetXchange, World Sports Betting

HT/FT Draw/Ivory Coast 7/2 Ladbrokes

Double Chance Zambia/Draw 13/10 Sportsbet, Ladbrokes

Both teams to score (no) 5/10 Sportsbet, BetXchange, World Sports Betting

Both teams to score (yes) 15/10 BetXchange, World Sports Betting

Half Time Result, Draw 12/10 Sportsbet

Half with most goals, 2^nd half 12/10 Hollywood

Note, odds are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Not all bookmakers had priced up at the time of writing and many more markets are available. Watch out for the option to bet “in play” where available

Analysis

On individual talent Ivory Coast have this trophy at their mercy but when it comes to team work and spirit, Zambia have few if any peers. Both sides are well coached, Hervé Renard has Zambia playing some terrific football and believing they can beat anyone whilst François Zahoui, an Ivorian, comes across as someone firmly in the results business with winning the game regardless of style or margin being the most important factor.

I see Ivory Coast getting themselves on the scoresheet in normal time and I give Zambia a sporting chance of doing the same. Elsewhere, I will go with the second period to produce the most goals in the expectation that the game is likely to open out after the break.

Bet: Both teams to score (yes) 15/10 BetXchange, World Sports Betting

Half with most goals, 2^nd half 12/10 Hollywood

Follow more picks and opinion on our discussion forum for late calls and the views of others in our sports betting community

Follow the Goodforthegame Sports Betting Analysts on Twitter
Alan Moscrop	Brent Graham	Chris Sturdy	Sean Nicholas