Memories of the 1990s were rekindled when Zambia legends faced their Malawi counterparts at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, the capital city.
Zambia had players who made headlines back then, the likes of Clifford Mulenga, Fackson Kapumbu, Clive Hachilensa, and James Chimanga, among others while Malawi had the likes of Ernest Mtawali, Gift Zakazaka, Peter Mponda, among other great players.
Both sides had their moments to create scoring opportunities, but it was difficult to find the back of the net. At times, they were able to beat the goalkeeper but sent the ball off target.
James Chamanga, Igntious Lwipa, and Mulenga had numerous opportunities to score for Zambia but missed them; the same was true for Malawi, which missed chances through Robert Ng’ambi, Chiukepo Msowoya, and Joseph Kamwendo.
“We’re Happy With The Draw” – Patrick Phiri.
And it ended goalless with both sides happy with the performance. Some great names from Malawi, like Young Chimodzi and Kinnah Phiri, could not play but helped as coaches.
Zambia coach Patrick Phiri was happy with the play. “We are happy with a draw; we came here to win but we faced a strong and organised side hence failing to win. We played Malawi in Chipatala last year, we won, we came here to get the same result but failed, we knew Malawi will fight.
“In 1975 when we hosted Cecafa, Malawi beat us in Zambia, it’s a good side. Today we created chances but missed them. Same as Malawi, produced a number of chances but failed to win,” he said.
When comparing old players and those playing today, Phiri said old players had much more skill than those playing today.
“Old players had more talent than young lads of today, like Malawi had Kinnah Phiri who Zambia defenders failed to stop him in those days. So, when we compare, old players had much more talent than today’s players,” he said.
After the game, Phiri was happy to have met Kinnah Phiri. “Kinnah is more of my brother; seeing him after years was a great thing for me,” he added.
Malawi coach Young Chimodzi was happy with his players and asked authorities to allow them to have many games so they keep passing the skill to young players.
“It was a great moment meeting Zambia today; we would love it if we had these games so we keep interacting with our friends,” he said.
