The football rivalry between Malawi and Zambia dates back to early 1960s when the two nations gained independence.
The two nations renew their rivalry when the football legends face-off in an international friendly match at Bingu National Stadium this afternoon.
Since 1964, the two neighbours have met several times in all competitions.
But Zambia have dominated the meetings against Malawi at all levels.
This afternoon the local legends will hope to exorcise the demons that have haunted them for many years.
Heading into this afternoon’s battle, Malawi legends have a score to settle having lost 2-1 at David Kaunda Stadium, Chipata, Zambia last year.
Both teams are expected to feature mixture of generational legends in this highly anticipated clash.
There is renewed hope in Malawi legends camp having bolstered the squad with South Africa based legend Ernest Mtawali who arrived in the country on Thursday ahead of the match.
Apart from Mtawali, Peter Mponda, Joseph Kamwendo and Chiukepo Msowoya are some of the high profile legends that did not feature in the away match last year.
Under the tutelage of legendary coach Kinnah Phiri and Young Chimodzi Senior, the local legends would be hoping to utilise home ground advantage.
Ahead of the match, Phiri said the legends are geared for the battle.
“There is no friendly match between Malawi and Zambia. We know that the stakes are high and we want to win it,” Phiri, who is the Malawi’s all time goal scorer with 71 goals, said.
Other legends in the squad include Robert Ng’ambi, Fischer Kondowe, James Sangala, Elvis Kafoteka, Lawrence Waya,Gilbert Chirwa, Peterkins Kayira and Russell Mwafulirwa.
On the other hand, Zambia have brought some of the players who were part of the 2012 historic Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) winning squad.
They include Felix Katongo, Hichani Himoonde, Kalililo Kakonje, Chintu Kampamba, Willam Njobvu and James Chamanga.
Kennedy Nkethani, Given Singuluma, Clifford Mulenga, Fackson Kapumbu, Justin Zulu and Ignatius Lwipa are also in the squad.
The Zambian legends arrived in the country Friday.
According to Faz Facebook page, veteran coach Patrick Phiri is incharge of the Zambia team.
Before departure, Faz General Secretary Ruben Kamanga urged the legends to represent the Zambian football family with honour.
Zambia beat Malawi 2-1 courtesy of goals from Lwipa and Mulenga whereas Jimmy Zakazaka scored the consolation for Malawi.
0 Comments