While most of the soccer world were talking and cascading about Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s snub to Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in a season marred by racism not only in the EPL but across Europe, there was something magical about to happen in Gabon as rank outsiders Zambia took on the might of Ivory Coast in the African Nations Cup final.

Almost 20 years ago 18 Zambian national players on a flight to Senegal for a World Cup qualifier refuelled in Gabon but upon take-off the plane went up in flames killing all 18 team players.

And last night Zambia payed a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in 1993, beating Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in Gabon.

Kalusha Bwala who was not on the tragic flight, but was to meet up with the squad in Senegal via Holland was the person who symbolised the rebuilding of the Zambian squad and in a poignant moment which would melt even the coldest of hearts Zambian coach Herve Renard could be seen putting his medal around the former forwards head befitting this great teams strenght and togetherness.

Renard stated:
“They found the strength, I don’t know where,” he said fighting back the tears. “There is something written somewhere.

It just felt right but it was not because of me, I don’t know where it came from.

“We were talking about it right from the time we started our preparations on December 28.

“I told them if we got to the final we would play in Gabon where the plane crashed and our first match was against Senegal, where the team was headed to play. There was a special significance in that.”

Zambia had gone into the game as underdogs but won over the 40,000 crowd in the Friendship Stadium in the Gabon capital with their positive play against a surprisingly timid Ivorian side.

“My players were magnificent,” said Renard. “We were not the best but we had a force that has made us African champions.

“They might make some tactical mistakes here and there but you can see the talent.”