Crash of the Buffalo

Jay Mwamba's "Crash of the Buffalo" is a compelling account of the 1993 plane crash that wiped out Zambia's national soccer team, and the inspiring story of the nation's remarkable comeback. The book details the tragedy, its aftermath, and the incredible resilience and determination of a nation to rebuild and honor the memories of its fallen heroes.Zambia was on the cusp of qualifying for the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. when the DHC-5D Buffalo military transport carrying the team crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 30 people on board. The nation was devastated, but the government announced that the team would continue with its quest to qualify for both the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations.A new squad was built around star player Kalusha Bwalya, who'd escaped the crash. The squad underwent an intensive six-week training program in Denmark under a young coach named Roald Poulsen. Rebuilt Zambia went on to defeat Morocco in its first game 10 weeks after the crash. And 11 months later, they stormed into the final of the 1994 African Cup of Nations.