The UEFA Champions League returned for the 2023–2024 season, with title holders Manchester City coming from behind to record a 3-1 win at the Etihad against Red Star Belgrade.
Zambian and Red Star midfielder Kings Kangwa made his debut in the competition. He was introduced in the 82nd minute for Hwang In-Boem.
Kings Kangwa has reacted to his debut UEFA Champions League appearance.
Kangwa joined an exclusive list of Zambians comprising Kalusha Bwalya, Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Fwayo Tembo, and Enock Mwepu to play in the UEFA Champions League group stage since its rebrand in 1992.
“I am super proud to have made [my] UEFA Champions League debut, hungry for more.” Kangwa reacted after the match. “[This is] just the beginning; the work continues.”
Chaiwa makes it to the bench in the Champions League
In the early kickoff yesterday, Zambian defender Miguel Chaiwa was an unused substitute for his BSC Young Boys, who lost 1-3 to RB Leipzig in their Group G opener.
Meanwhile, Patson Daka’s former boss at Leicester City, Brendan Rodgers, had a nightmare start to his European campaign. His Celtic side were beaten 2-0 by Feyenoord, with two of his players shown red cards in the second half.
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There was also drama in Italy after goalkeeper Ivan Provedel scored a late equalizer to salvage a point for Lazio against Atletico Madrid.
“It’s a night I’ll remember all my life,” Provedel, who said he modeled his attacking style after teammate Ciro Immobile, told UEFA media.
He joined an exclusive list of only three goalscoring goalkeepers in the Champions League which include, Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama(1), Sinan Bolat(1), and Hans-Jorg Butt(3)
There were also wins for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, who beat Royal Antwerp and Borussia Dortmund, 5-0 and 2-0, respectively.
FULL RESULTS
AC Milan 0-0 Newcastle
BSC Young Boys 1-3 RB Leipzig
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
Barcelona 5-0 Royal Antwerp
PSG 2-0 Borrussia Dortmund
Feyenoord 2-0 Celtic
Lazio 1-1 Atletico Madrid
