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Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene not stressed about duel with Cote d'Ivoire's Didier Drogba
The Chipolopolo shot-stopper is not fazed by his impending showdown with one of Africa's best attackers as he prepares for the tournament's showpiece event on Sunday
12 Feb 2012 14:12:00
By Peter Pedroncelli
Getty Images
Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene is not stressing about his duel with Cote d'Ivoire striker Didier Drogba in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations final in Libreville on Sunday.
The Free State Stars captain was speaking at a press conference ahead of the title match, and the question of whether he was concerned about having to face the Chelsea star in top form.
"Drogba, no, I don't feel any more pressure," Mweene told reporters. "The coach Herve Renard has helped us to keep cool, whether it's a big or small game.
"He's done a lot with us mentally, I'm not shaking about Drogba, it's just one of those games. There's no panic."
The 27-year-old keeper saved Asamoah Gyan's penalty in the semi-final, helping Zambia earn a 1-0 victory over the Black Stars, setting up a dream final against the Elephants.
"That was the most important save of my life," Mweene revealed. "It's helped to give me confidence ahead of the final."
| Bet: | Returns: | Ivory Coast £10.40 | Draw £90.00 | Tanzania £210.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Ivory Coast £10.56 | Draw £95.00 | Tanzania £230.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Ivory Coast £11.00 | Draw £90.00 | Tanzania £210.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Ivory Coast £10.50 | Draw £90.00 | Tanzania £165.00 |
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The Free State Stars captain was speaking at a press conference ahead of the title match, and the question of whether he was concerned about having to face the Chelsea star in top form.
"Drogba, no, I don't feel any more pressure," Mweene told reporters. "The coach Herve Renard has helped us to keep cool, whether it's a big or small game.
"He's done a lot with us mentally, I'm not shaking about Drogba, it's just one of those games. There's no panic."
The 27-year-old keeper saved Asamoah Gyan's penalty in the semi-final, helping Zambia earn a 1-0 victory over the Black Stars, setting up a dream final against the Elephants.
"That was the most important save of my life," Mweene revealed. "It's helped to give me confidence ahead of the final."
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