• FOOTBALL Association of Zambia president, Kalusha Bwalya (right) shoots goalwards as his former Chipolopolo team mate, Elijah Tana closes in during the KK11 versus 1994/1996 squad match at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka which was dedicated to First Republican President, Kenneth Kaunda’s 90th birthday anniversary. Picture by JEAN MANDELA

By YVONNE SAKALA At Nkoloma Stadium –

KK11 Stars 5 Chipolopolo 94/96 Stars 2

KALUSHA Bwalya missed a penalty but went on to score a brace to inspire the KK11 Legends to a victory over the Zambia 1994/96 team in a match played before a partisan crowd to commemorate First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda’s 90th birthday.

Zambia soccer team stars of yesteryears were brought together at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka to battle it out against the Stars of the 1994 and 96 stars and the occasion was brightened by Kaunda who graced the function.

Kaunda, who during his time as president used to kick the ball before the match started, lived up to the old tricks as he showcased his football skills much to the amusement of the fans that thronged the stadium.

The KK11 captained by Kalusha donned the orange jersey while the 94/96 stars were in the green and black replica.

It was the 94/96 Stars through Tenant Chilumba who finished off a free kick taken by Elijah Tana in the 28th minute to send the spectators into celebrations.

The well coordinated 94/96 players kept pressurising the KK11 side and their efforts paid off when Moomba N’gandu finished off a well connected Linos Chalwe cross in the 48th minute.

N’gandu sent KK11 goalkeeper Johnstone Katowando in the wrong direction as the 94/96 Stars took a deserved lead but change of goalkeepers proved too costly. Sam Banda was substituted for Trust Kakoonda after taking a two-goal lead.

But Kalusha, who is also Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, inspired his side to great comeback with Hector Chilombo reducing the deficit in the 53rd minute after dribbling past Kakoonda to slot home the ball.

Chilombo, who is Napsa Stars and Zambia Under-20 soccer team assistant coach, levelled matters two minutes later.

Aggrey Chiyangi was exceptional in making sure the KK11 side grabbed their deserving victory scoring with a diving header on 69 minutes to give his side the lead.

Chiyangi benefitted from some well worked out passes between Kalusha and Emmanuel Munaile, who combined well in the midfield to roll back years when they played in the national team.

Kalusha, whose penalty in the 50th minute was parried by keeper Banda after he fouled inside the box by Elijah Tana, did not want to disappoint the many fans that kept cheering his name as he made amends scoring a brace.

His first came in the 71st minute when he scored using his weak right foot after the defenders failed to clear the lines and added his second a minute later with a shot inside the box off a Chiyangi cross.

Others who featured for KK11 side included Bestone Chambeshi, Fighton Simukonda, Modern Malitoli, Happy Sichikolo, Linos Makwaza, Kenneth Malitoli, Andrew Tembo, John Lungu and Vincent Mutale.

Honour Janza played for the 94/96 Stars that also featured Joel Bwalya, Evans Sakala, Jespar Janza, Manfred Chabinga, Hilary Makasa, Weston Mumba, Douglas Mwamba, Bilton Musonda and Australia Mweemba.

In the other game played, the Midlands Select Side beat their Copperbelt Side 2-1 with goals coming from Roderick Kabwe and Felony Sonia while the visitors scored through Passion Sakala.

Meanwhile, the earlier fixture saw the 2013 Airtel Rising Stars side beat the 2012 team 1-0 thanks to a goal by Enoch Mwepu.