*Africa’s Most Memorable World Cup Moments*
Zambia Win After Tragedy
In 1994, the talented Zambian national side were devastated when their aircraft crashed into the sea off the coast of Gabon on their way to a World Cup Qualifier in Senegal. Everyone on board, including the legendary Chipolopolo forward Godfrey Chitalu, was killed.
The only surviving member of that fine side was the star player, Kalusha Bwalya, who had been travelling from Holland to rejoin his team-mates.
Bwalya, with support from the federation, rebuilt the side using young players from the domestic league and the diaspora. Remarkably, he managed to lead the newly-assembled team to victory in their postponed game against Morocco just a month after the accident.
Unfortunately, the team were unable to continue their momentum and, devastated by their losses, they failed to qualify for USA ’94.
Kalusha did lead the team to the final of the 1994 Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia.
#FLASHBACK
#TheWhistle