Zambia Wins African Cup of Nations, Luis Suarez Apologizes, Other Thoughts

What a phenomenal week of football!

From upsets to controversies; from underdogs winning major championships to major sackings, this week had it all. 

Perhaps the biggest news is that of Zambia winning the African Cup of Nations in a nail-biting, nerve wracking penalty shootout. 

Let's take a look around the footballing world as to what events transpired and which ones captivated our hearts. 

5. Major Upsets

We witnessed some major upsets this week. 

England:

Chelsea were completely dominated by Everton. 

Steven Pienaar injected a much-needed level of dynamism to the Everton side, as they ran circles around Chelsea and won 2-0. 

The Chelsea defense was in shambles on Saturday. The midfield lacked creativity, and Fernando Torres was absolutely pitiful in possession. 

Spain:

Across into the mainland, Barcelona were handed a defeat by Osasuna. 

Osasuna scored twice through Dejan Lekic, before Alexis Sanchez pulled one back for Barcelona. 

A man of the match performance from Raul Garcia, who scored the third goal, meant that Barcelona were left with a tough job at hand. 

As Real Madrid won against Levante, the gap between the archrivals is at a staggering 10 points. 

Italy:

Perhaps the biggest upset was the defeat of Inter Milan by Novara, a club that is dead last in the Serie A table. Andrea Caracciolo scored in the 56th minute to give the away side an advantage. 

Although Novara were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute, Inter Milan were simply unable to capitalize. 

Inter Milan are now in fifth position, 11 points sigh of league leaders AC Milan. 

Germany:

Although not technically an upset, Borussia Monchegladbach completely ran riot against Schalke, defeating them 3-0 in the process. 

The game was expected to be a competitive one, who were separated by only a point before the match. 

However, both clubs are still within reach of the top spot, currently occupied by Borussia Dortmund. 

4. Comebacks

This week was also a week of comebacks. 

AC Milan came from a goal down to win against Udinese.

The win means that Milan are on top of the Serie A standings, although Juventus have two games in hand. 

However, it was the comeback by Arsenal against Sunderland that deserves all the plaudits. 

Arsenal, which had been trailing to Sunderland in the second half, came back through a superb Aaron Ramsey goal.

It was the perfect farewell for Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as he registered a goal in injury time to provide a much-needed win for Arsenal. 

Arsenal sit in fourth place now, ahead of Chelsea on total goals scored. 

3. Goals, Goals and More Goals (And a Sacking)

We witnessed a flurry of goals this week. 

Tottenham Hotspur put five goals past Newcastle United. 

Emmanuel Adebayor gave a man of the match performance, setting up four goals and scoring one himself. 

Real Madrid and Valencia both put four goals past their respective oppositions, Levante and Sporting Gijon. 

The biggest news is the sacking of Mick McCarthy, Wolves manager Mick McCarthy. 

McCarthy had been in charge of the Wolves since July 2006, but was sacked immediately after a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of West Bromich Albion. 

Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and ex-West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley are deemed as favorites to replace McCarthy. 

2. Luis Suarez Embroiled in Controversy

I have always been of the opinion that Luis Suarez was right in defending himself against Patrice Evra, as there was little evidence against Suarez. 

Couple this with Suarez's own ethnic background, Evra's issues in the past, and the lack of ban instituted on Evra for using the term "South American" in a derogatory way, I am of the opinion that Suarez had been victimized. 

Suarez has also been also been actively involved against racism over the years. 

How many of you know that Suarez is a sponsor of the social project “From the Streets to the Fields” for almost one and a half years?

Through this project, Suarez has been actively fighting against the racism that was instituted from the days of the apartheid.

At the 2010 World Cup, Suarez, along with Andres Iniesta and Carlos Kameni, even filmed a documentary, from which revenue is being dedicated to stamping out racism in South Africa.

Therefore, as expected, Luis Suarez refused to shake hands with Patrice Evra, and controversy ensued all over.

Out came the critics: Sir Alex Ferguson stated that Suarez should be banned, Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer were equally critical of Suarez, and a number of others expressed disgust at Suarez.

Perhaps this took a toll on Suarez and everyone involved in Liverpool, and both Suarez and Kenny Dalglish issued apologies. Suarez had this to say via Facebook: 

"

I have spoken at length with the Manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong. I've not only let him down, but also the Club and what it stands for and I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened. I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions. I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football.

"

1. Zambia Victorious at the African Cup

In what could only be described as a dream run, Zambia overcame all the odds to win the African Cup of Nations on penalties over Ivory Coast. 

The match itself was exhilarating, with the highlight being Didier Drogba's miss from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. 

Drogba took to the spot, but he put an agonizing shot over the bar. 

The game went to penalties and The Chipolopolo beat Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in Libreville, Gabon, to secure the trophy for the first time.

It marks the second time for Ivory Coast to have lost out on penalties in the final; the first time being the defeat at the hands of Egypt in 2006. 

The Zambian coach, Herve Renard, dedicated the cup in the memory of a plane crash that had killed 18 members of the football team in 1993.