I think all of those who watched yesterday's African Cup of Nations Final match between Ivory Coast and Zambia share my feeling: we were privileged to be allowed to participate in one of the more remarkable moments in modern sporting history. It was one, of course, that went largely under the radar in the U.

Africa Cup of Nations 2012 Zambia answer the call of destiny is a post from: Just Football

In my final Africa Cup of Nations 2012 column for FourFourTwo I took a look at Zambia's triumph on penalties in a final of incredible drama, tension and, ultimately, joy for the Chipolopolo and despair for Côte d'Ivoire:

When he saw the shot sail wide he could take it no more.

Why Senegal failed at Africa Cup of Nations 2012 is a post from: Just Football

My latest African football column for FourFourTwo looks at Senegal, who slumped to bottom of their group and an early trip home despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites. Why did they fail?

Why Senegal failed at Africa Cup of Nations 2012 is a post from: Just Football

My latest African football column for FourFourTwo looks at Senegal, who slumped to bottom of their group and an early trip home despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites. Why did they fail?

What's stopping you, Kenya? is a post from: Just Football

Sudan aside, there's a glaring geographical gap at this year's African Cup of Nations. Andrew Crawford has a few ideas why:

Watching the current African Cup Of Nations (ACON), it is somewhat tellingly awkward how there isn't a stronger presence from countries from East Africa, although the same could be said for almost every ACON and since it began.

Besides the human loss, it is sad that the attention of the world on African football during a great tournament as the African Cup of Nations, is drawn away by the game, to the catastrophe that happened in Egypt.I am certain that this is not what Egypt is about, with its great people and fans, and it is not what African football is about.

Adidas, in conjunction with Supersport, is inviting all African football fans to participate in choosing the appropriate name for the official matchball for 2013 AFCON tournament

Heartbreak for Gabon and Aubamayeng but a bright future awaits... is a post from: Just Football

In my latest column for FourFourTwo I take a look at co-hosts Gabon and their exciting but ultimately heartbreaking Africa Cup of Nations campaign:

After the laughter comes tears.

A week after deadly clashes at the end of an Egyptian league match between Ahl-Masry and Al-Ahli turned tragic when Al-Ahli fans were attacked and killed by Masry supporters, football's world governing body FIFA has responded by donating over $250,000 to families of those affected by the violence.

It is hard not to have sympathy for Zambia's football team: in the 80s and early 90s they were an important part of the African football awakening that was to take the world by storm right until 1993, when the entire team was killed in an air disaster when heading to a World Qualifier. While in 1994 they made it to the African Nations Cup final, they still never fully recovered from the

Africa Cup of Nations final preview Zambia are winners regardless of result is a post from: Just Football

With the final today, here is my latest Africa Cup of Nations 2012 column for FourFourTwo.com on Zambia and their remarkable journey to the final:

Together they walked slowly to the coastline, singing in unison.

Africa Cup of Nations final preview Zambia are winners regardless of result is a post from: Just Football

With the final today, here is my latest Africa Cup of Nations 2012 column for FourFourTwo.com on Zambia and their remarkable journey to the final:

Together they walked slowly to the coastline, singing in unison.

Zambia's fairy tale run in the African Cup of Nations ended with them sensationally beating hot favourites Ivory Coast 8-7 on post match penalties to win their maiden AFCON trophy.

In a match attended by football legends Pele, Michel Platini amongst other and beamed to millions across the continent and the world, there was doubt that the Chipolopolo were the better side on the night.

Murder in Port Said The day a revolution turned cold is a post from: Just Football

Just days after the one year anniversary of the revolution, Egyptian football was plunged into despair by the tragic events in Port Said. Adam Mostafa reports on events that shook the game. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Just Football.

Welcome to Spirit of Mirko's first ever weekly review of African football. It's likely to be skewed somewhat towards the more obscure, it'll be an interesting experiment nonetheless. I hope you enjoy it.

Team of the Week

Africa Team of the Week

In goal we have Joslain Mayebi who plays for Wrexham of the Conference National (fifth-tier in England).

Very interesting revelations from Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic on the main reason why the Black Stars failed to win the AFCON are emerging. According to Stevanovic, the heavy use of 'juju' greatly affected the team during the tournament.

Ghana along with the Ivory Coast and Senegal was one of the favourites who were hotly tipped to win the AFCON, however, a shock quarter final defeat to Zambia ended their hopes of winning a fifth title and first since 1982.

Herve Renard's cheeky grin, bright white shirts and furious bawls at perenially offside strikers are now a distant memory. Nevertheless, the wheels of African football continue to grind along, domestic leagues are in full swing from Lubumbashi to Nairobi, and the heroes (and villains) of the Cup of Nations are back with their respective European, Asian and African clubs.