Malawi National Football Team Legends gave football fans a perfect festive season treat when they beat their Zambian counterparts 5-4 on penalties at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
Zambia gave false hopes of handing the hosts a hiding when they took a 2-0 lead in the first half through Isaac Chansa and Jonas Sakuwaha.
But the Kinnah Phiri, Young Chimodzi and Peterkins Kayira-coached team turn the tables in the second half as former FCB Nyasa Bullets and Flames stars Mapopa Msukwa and Jimmy Zakazaka rescued the hosts with two second half goals.
For Zakazaka, who was interestingly christened Weapon of Mass Destruction by Zambia legendary football commentator the late Dennis Liwewe, uncle to Malawi’s opposite number Steve Liwewe Banda, curled in a brilliant free-kick outside the 18-yard box.
It was a beauty crafted with power and technical nous that defined Zakazaka’s successful playing career to take the match into penalties.
In post-match penalties, it was the hosts who plastered the smiles on the fans starved of victory to give legendary midfield maestro Ernest Mtawali a chance to lift the priceless trophy as a captain of the side.
This result settled the scores as the record now stands at one win each and a draw in three meetings.
In an interview, Flames Legend Association founder and chairperson Jimmy Kalua, described the match as highly competitive.
Said Kalua: “The match was so exciting and xmas present to the nation. Fans should expect more countries coming as this is a yearly event.
“Despite challenges bringing Zambia it was a success. Zambia wanted to cancel the trip at 11 hour due to heavy rains as the road got cut between Chipata and Lusaka. We had to foot extra bills to fulfill the fixture.”
