After thrashing Italy 4-nil at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the Zambia national soccer team had their eyes set on the 1994 AfCON trophy and a world Cup appearance. But that was not to be.
On April 28 1993, a Zambia Air Force buffalo plane carrying the entire national soccer team, five crew members, FAZ officials and a journalist, crashed into the Atlantic ocean about 500 meters off the coast of Libreville.
Kalusha Bwalya now Football Association President was at the time traveling from Europe to join the team in Senegal.
The entire country was in shock, as news of the air crash came through.
Zambia’s most celebrated soccer commentator Dennis Liwewe who passed on April 22, 2014, was scheduled to travel with the team but missed the flight, gave the most moving tribute ever seen on Zambian television.
A check by a ZNBC Sports crew at the burial site for the departed heroes revealed that a memorial by the family members is set to take place Today Tuesday.
But only a few hundred meters from the crash site, a rejuvenated Zambia national soccer team defied all odds and won the AfCON in 2012.
The victory was dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Gabon air disaster.
Photos:Gabon Disaster Heroes Remembered added by on
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Ba Tumfweko what is the purpose of sending a picture like this one? One can hardly see anything!!
@RIP AFRICAN HEROES,alwayz in our heart
this article is heart breaking. may their souls rest in peace.
Picture looks like victims of the holocaust to be sent to Sobibor death camp. MTSRIP.
Hav the families been compesated?has the report of what realy transpired been release?RIP our fighters
Tapali efyo ndemona mwe. De only ting visible mu pic chisote kwati ichakwa Hitler kunuma!
We in the UPND take this time to reflect on this huge blow and loss to our football fraternity. Indeed this was arguably the best team we have ever had. I rememebr growing up listening to mighty liwewe talk so highly of this team. Very sad and we wish compassion on the families. It saddens us when we see the PF unable to even hire just a coach. Football has gone down hill. Atlease with RB we saw some improvements which even led to us winning the africa cup although PF took credit for other peoples work.
Tumfweko please improve in your reporting ichisungu chenu awe mwandi
very touchy eh?
RIP our heros we still remember u…
I think ka kalusha bwalaya Kali batininka aba nankwe
May their souls rest in peace
They were all compesated thru the standing in lawyer by then edgar chagwa lungu,thats y the first families of the late great heroes of ours owe lungu a “twatotela “vote.rest in peace real chipolopolo.
JAH REMEMBER U IN PARADISE.
May their souls rest in peace hope nd trust 1de ‘ll ve dat team only God knows.
And to our Faz president please try reconcile wit people like Charlie,jonstone nd rest guys who remained to heads together nd see da glory of our Loving football in Zambia.
Gudmorning!
Numba Mwila, Davy Makinka, Kelvin Mutale, etc….maa! what a team!!
Happy are all gone,with our football,may the almighty still grant peace of our loved ones….RIP
may our heros soul rest in peace
may our heroes soul rest in intenal peace