Posted in News on Jan 25, 2012.
Legend, Albert Bwalya believes that Zambia stands a good chance of winning the 28th edition of Africa Cup of Nations co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
‘Mqombothi’ as Albert Bwalya was affectionately known to the Kaizer Chiefs faithful watched his country, Zambia sending favourites, Senegal packing last Saturday.
Zambia beat Senegal 2-1 and will be looking to build on that victory when they meet Libya this evening.
“I was emotional watching the game last weekend and our boys did us proud by beating Senegal,” said Bwalya speaking to kaizerchiefs.com.
“They really played well against a talented side. I was impressed by the young players the Coach used in that game. This is our chance to win the completion and I think our boys can do us proud,”
Bwalya spoke passionately about his country.
“I am one of the survivors in that team that perished in 1993,” said Bwalya.
It was late on the 27 April 1993, near Libreville, Gabon when a flight carrying most of the Zambia national team squad to a Fifa World Cup qualifier against Senegal ditched into Atlantic Ocean.
“I had scored a goal against Tanzania in Mwanza Town. We beat Tanzania 3-1 with Kalusha (Bwalya) scoring the other goal. This game took place ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Senegal.
“I had received a call up but I did not honour it preferring to remain in South Africa to continue with my career at Chiefs. I always follow our national team and I am proud of the progress the team is making in the tournament. The boys have to do it for all those who died on that fateful evening,”
Bwalya pointed out that Ghana are also favourites ahead of the fancied Ivory Coast to win the tournament, “I also watched Ghana beating Botswana. The 1-0 was not a true reflection of what they can do. They play as a team.
“There is no star there as compared to Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast is not playing as a team and it is going to be their downfall in this tournament,” added Bwalya who won ‘double’ with the Glamour Boys in 1992.
The final for the showpiece will be played on Sunday, 12 February 2012.
