Football aficionados will witness an iconic encounter between Zambia’s 2012 African Cup of Nations winners and FC Barcelona’s legends this afternoon.
Several football heavyweights from both sides will take to the pitch and remind us of the swagger and brilliance for which we became fond of them.
Brace yourselves as we delve into Bolanews’ combined XI for the iconic sporting fiesta between Chipolopolo and the Blaugrana.
GOALKEEPER
Kennedy Mweene
One of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time, Mweene will be a difficult nut to crack against FC Barcelona. Even Lionel Messi was denied a goal by the shot-stopper in a friendly match between Mamelodi Sundowns and FC Barcelona in 2018.
DEFENDERS
Davies Nkausu
FC Barcelona’s talisman Ronaldinho has a reputation for leaving defenders in the mud. However, the highly confident Nkausu will not be fazed by that, looking at his experience and ability.
Edmilson
FC Barcelona will count on the towering Brazilian center-back to keep the likes of Christopher Katongo, Collins Mbesuma, and Emmanuel Mayula quiet on the night.
MIDFIELDERS
Nathan Sinkala
The Chipolopolo midfield engine is aging like fine wine. The ZESCO United man remains a strong and tenacious defensive midfielder who excels at breaking up opposition play and initiating counterattacks.
Chisamba Lungu
Lungu is a pacy and skillful winger who brings dynamism and a dangerous attacking threat from the flank. This explains why he inherited the nickname ‘Chisambadinho’.
Rainford Kalaba
The Zambian magician is expected to display some entertaining football with his skill, technical ability, and eye for the goal. FC Barcelona’s defense will need to track the movements of the 36-year-old effectively.
Javier Saviola
In the absence of FC Barcelona legends like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, Saviola will be expected to bring Argentinian magic to Lusaka. His ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes and score crucial goals will be invaluable to the team.
READ ALSO: Nkausu vows to play Barcelona Legends like a cup final
Ronaldinho
Time and time again, we ran out of superlatives to describe this man. The Brazilian wizard always leaves defenders for dead with his dribbling, technical ability, and creativity. Football fans throughout the country will flock to Heroes Stadium to set their eyes upon one of the football gods of our time.
STRIKERS
Patrick Kliuvert
Leading the line for FC Barcelona will be the goalscoring machine, Patrick Kliuvert. The Dutchman scored 122 goals in 257 appearances while donning the colors of the Catalan club. Zambia’s backline will need to be aware of his goal threat.
Christopher Katongo
The man who hoisted the African Cup of Nations trophy back in 2012 will be keen on lifting the Chipolopolo to a victory tonight. Katong, a Chipolopolo legend, was also the top scorer and best player in Gabon as the Copper Bullets secured their maiden title.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Collins Mbesuma, Emmanuel Mayuka, Isaac Chansa, Guzman, Giovanni, Barjuan, etc.
