The highly-anticipated festive season legends clash between Malawi and Zambia at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday ended goalless.
The match marked a return of the legendary rivalry between the two nations following a 2023 encounter held in Chipata as part of Zambia Independence anniversary celebrations.
Yesterday’s match was another exciting encounter as both teams rekindled the competitive spirit that has defined their past rivalries.
The Zambian squad was led by veteran coach Patrick Phiri, who brought a wealth of experience to the team while Malawi side was led by Malawi football veteran Young Chimodzi.
The game drew football fans from both countries.
With the goal less draw in Lilongwe yesterday, Malawi legends still have a score to settle against their Zambian counterpart having lost 2-1 in their first meeting in Zambia at David Kaunda Stadium, Chipata last year.
Goals from Clifford Mulenga and Ignatius Lwipa sealed the victory for Zambia while Jimmy Zakazaka scored for Malawi.
The match at BNS saw the host dominating, particularly in the first half. However, Malawi’s frontline, marshalled by Chiukepo Msowoya, failed to get goals.
With Simplex Nthala in Malawi goals, Joseph Kamwendo and Fischer Kondowe operated well at the centre, rekindling memories of their good days.
Zambia legends did not have the whole affair to Malawi.
Clifford Mulenga, Felix Katongo, and Iginicious Lwipa were a marvel to watch.
Mulenga nearly -scored in the 80th minutes after taking a powerful shot, but Nthala cleared the ball for a corner-kick.
Zambia got another chance through Lwipa, but he shot over the bar.
In an post-match interview, Malawi legend’s vice-captain Peter Mponda said it was good to see the two countries’ football legends demonstrating good football to up-and-coming players on the pitch.
“The legends did it all to entertain the fans. It was good to be part of the match,” he said.
On his part, Malawi legends coach Young Chimodzi said both sides played well and the coming in of other players who did not play in Zambia such as Enerst Mtawali, Mponda and Kamwendo ignited fireworks in the Malawi team.
“It was a balanced game. Both teams played well. We got the chances, they also got the chances. It is good we have more of these matches so that the former players can interact,” he said.
On the other hand, Zambia legends coach Phiri said they wanted to win but Malawi was an organised side.
“We came to win, but Malawi today was a strong team. We failed to score and they equally created chances. We look forward to having a tournament that involves legends from four countries,” he said.
