Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene
We take a closer look at Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene after he produced an outstanding display to help his country complete a shock 1-0 win over Ghana in the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations.
Player: Kennedy Mweene
Date of birth: December 11, 1984 (Age 27)
Place of birth: Lusaka, Zambia
Nationality: Zambian
Height: 1.82m (5ft 11.5in)
Position: Goalkeeper
Current club: Free State Stars (South Africa)
Former clubs: Lusaka Dynamos, Kitwe United
Background:
In a land renowned for copper, Zambia have a touch of gold in their inspirational goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
At 27, he has his best years ahead of him. He is certainly at the peak of his powers in this African Cup of Nations with Zambia reaching their first final at the treasured tournament since 1994.
It has been a long wait, but men like Mweene seem hell-bent on helping the country rise to their first success in the tournament.
He was a strong and dominant force against Ghana, saving a penalty from Asamoah Gyan in Bata that was pivotal in his side's progress. Mweene has been a strong and dominant force in the tournament in enjoying three clean sheets in six matches.
Mweene has yet to taste life in European football after moving from the Zambian leagues to South African side Free State Stars in 2005. He has rose to prominence in South Africa, and is captain of his club.
He seems to have all the ingredients to revel at a higher level, but perhaps being under six-foot tall stands against him. Goalkeepers well over 6ft remain the fashion among the very top club sides in Europe.
Mweene made his debut for Zambia in 2004 and has progressed to win 54 caps for his country.
He also scored a penalty in an international against Zimbabwe a few years ago, but is better known for being a reliable pair of hands for his country. That has certainly been the case in recent days.
Player ratings
Handling: 8/10
Agility: 8/10
Bravery: 8/10
Leadership: 7/10
Approximate value: £1m
Mweene and his Zambia team-mates
Analysis from Zambia's 1-0 win over Ghana at the African Cup of Nations on February 8.
9' - Save by Mweene! He dives to his left to make the save from Gyan's penalty. Fine diving stop. Wasn't the most powerful of penalties. Zambia thrilled to escape.
11' - Mweene forced to make another diving save from Gyan. He is having an exceptional match so far.
49' - One goal might win this goal for either side. Jordan Ayew brings out a decent diving save from Mweene, who has to keep his eye on the ball.
54' - John Boye and Asamoah trying to combine, but the move breaks down as Mweene collects the loose ball.
65' - A strong and purposeful run by Gyan. Gets the shot at goal, but Mweene was well positioned to make the save.
79' - Mweene comes to take another ball as Andre Ayew rose in the area. Suddenly Ghana require a goal, and their need is pressing.
90+2' - Mweene given the decision as he nudges the ball away his first. Time the real enemy now for Ghana.