Africa Cup of Nations 2012: Cote D'Ivoire Will Stop Zambia's Quest for Title

Zambia's improbable run at the Africa Cup of Nations title will end tonight. As exciting as the Copper Bullets' run has been, the Ivory Coast is just too talented for them to defeat.

Zambia knocked off defending champion Ghana in the semifinals to reach this point, but the Ivory Coast has been the class of the tournament from the start.

The Ivory Coast defense has been impenetrable throughout the tournament. They have not surrendered a goal in five matches. I expect that trend to continue as Zambia does not have the midfield attack to overcome the stout defenders the Ivory Coast has in the middle of the field.

Cheick Tioté, Didier Zokora and Yaya Touré have been playing on a elite level, and they are clearly the best three-man midfield unit in Africa. Christopher Katongo of Zambia has scored three goals in the tournament, but he will have his hands full penetrating the Ivory Coast defense.

Experience will also be a major factor. Many of the Ivory Coast players also compete for the top international and Premier League teams throughout the world.  Touré is a valuable member to Manchester City's team of the Premier League, and many other players play vital roles on their clubs.

Zambia simply does not have that type of elite club experience on their roster. Zambia is making this improbable run geared by emotion and inspiration. They are playing spirited football to honor the lives of their countrymen who in 1993 perished in a plane crash in Gabon.

They were not considered frontrunners to reach this point in the tournament, but largely riding the desire to honor their countrymen, they are here.

Still, the Ivory Coast team is just too strong, experienced and talented. The great and inspired run will come to an end in the finals for Zambia.