Former Zambia Coach Roald Poulsen Dies at 73

Roald Poulsen, the Danish coach who played a crucial role in rebuilding Zambia’s national football team after the tragic 1993 plane crash, has passed away at 73. Poulsen was appointed after the disaster, which claimed 18 Chipolopolo players, and led Zambia to a 2-1 victory over Morocco just 67 days later.

Although Zambia didn’t qualify for the 1994 World Cup, Poulsen’s guidance through this challenging period earned him deep respect in the country. He returned to coach Zambia in 1994-1996, leading the team to a third-place finish in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

Poulsen’s legacy remains tied to his work rebuilding Zambia's team and his success with Odense BK, where he won the Danish championship in 1989.