KINSHASA, Jan 27, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Congolese Pierre Ndaye Mulamba, scorer
of a record nine goals in an Africa Cup of Nations tournament, died Saturday
in Cape Town aged 70, a Democratic Republic of Congo minister said.
Mulamba starred for Zaire (now DR Congo) at the 1974 finals in Egypt, which
his country won after a replayed final against Zambia.
It was the second and last time the vast, mineral-rich central African
nation triumphed in the most prestigious football competition on the
continent.
According to reports, Mulamba had been unwell for some time and received
medical care in India before returning to South Africa last August for
further treatment.
DR Congo sports minister Papy Niango said in a statement released in
Kinshasa that Mulamba died early in the morning of January 26.
Nicknamed Mutumbula (the assassin), Mulamba scored twice against Guinea and
once against Mauritius in 1974 Cup of Nations group matches.
What followed was a remarkable achievement as Zaire netted seven times in
defeating Egypt (semi-final) and Zambia (final/replay) and six of the goals
came from Mulamba.
Mulamba could not replicate his 1974 form when Zaire defended the title,
scoring only once for an overall total of 10 as the defending champions made
a first-round exit.
Cameroonian superstar Samuel Eto’o holds the record for Cup of Nations
tournaments goals with 18.
Mulamba also enjoyed international success at club level, helping Kinshasa
outfit V Club win the 1973 African Cup of Champions Clubs (now the CAF
Champions League).