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What an event this game proved to be in Zambia. The Heroes Stadium in Lusaka was almost filled to the capacity of 55,000 by a noisy and enthusiastic crowd. The president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, greeted the former Barça players before the match.
The Barça Legends side controlled the game after kickoff, but the best chances fell to the home side, who took the lead through Collins Mbesuma. Giovanni Silva could have equalised soon after, but keeper Mweene saved his shot.
Ronaldinho’s every touch was being cheered and he came close to putting in a rebound from his own free kick. He also provided a good cross that Kluivert met firmly with his head, but the home side keeper proved equal to both efforts. 1-0 to the Zambian side at half time.
More of the same after the break, the Barça Legend side dominating proceedings without finding the net. Soon after James Chamanga sent the stadium wild with a powerful shot past Guzmán to make it 2-0. There was a deafening atmosphere in the final stages of the game, when it looked like the visitors could get one back, but Clifford Mulenga struck for the former African champions, final score 3-0.
The Barça legends arrived in the Zambian capital on Wednesday, May 24 lunchtime to great expectation after a long flight. A crowd had gathered at the Lusaka airport to welcome the team coached by Albert Ferrer, who went for the tribute dinner that evening attended by the president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and the Minister for Youth, Sport, and Art, Elvis Nkandu.
Game stats
Zambia Legends: Mweene, Nkausu, Musonda, Kampamba, Kasondev, Chansa, Lungu, Félix Katongo, Chris Katongo, Mbesuma, and Kalaba.
Substitutes: Kalililo, Titima, Himoonde, Sunzu, Chintu, Kasonde, Sinkala, Mulenga, Sakuwava, Kangwa, Chivuta, and Mayuka.
Barça Legends: Angoy, Goikoetxea, Déhu, Coco, Sergi, Gabri, Edmilson, Mendieta, Giovanni, Saviola, and Ronaldinho.
Substitutes: Guzmán, Miguel Soler, Juan Carlos, Jofre Mateu, Kluivert, Okunowo and Tortolero.
Goals: 1-0 Mbesuma (12′), 2-0 Chamanga (60′), 3-0 Mulenga (79′)
