The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Gaby’s dreams came true after FA Cup glory
FACupglorycanenrichplayers as well as clubs. Gaby Zakuani won a million pound move to thePremierLeagueontheback of his stand out moment in the mostfamousknockoutcompetition on the planet.
ZakuaniwaspartoftheLeyton Orient side that won 2- 1 at top- flight Fulham in January 2006. Orient were in League Two at the time.
Four months later the DR Congo international moved from Brisbane Road to Craven Cottage.
That Orient win remains a highlight of Zakuani’s career and he’s gutted that he will be denied the chance of another slice of Cup glory by his call up to the Congo squad for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month.
But he has left behind instructions on how to shock the big boys!
Zakuani said: “There were similarities between that Orient side and the current Posh one.
“We were a good footballing team and we went into that game in very good form.
“We didn’t expect to win at a Premier League side, but we were confident we would play well.
“It turned out to beasurreal day as everyone seemed to play to their best and we actually passed Fulham off the park.
“It’s one of my favourite football memories as you don’t get the chance to play against teams like that too often, never mind beat them.
“There’s no doubt I got my dream move to the Premier League on the back of my performance againstFulham.
“And Posh definitely have a chance against Norwich even thoughit looks like wewill have a few players missing.
“The pressure will be off us. Norwich will be expected to win, but they’re not on the best of runs so if we can get in front anything can happen.
“Every player will have to contribute though. You can’t carry passengers against this level of opposition.
“If that happens and we get a bit of luck we could certainly win.
“It’s amazing what a few wins can do to a team’s confidence.
“It’s ashameIwon’tbethere, but playing for my country means a lot to me .
“I’m happy that I’m leaving the side outside the bottom three and I’m confident they will still be there when I get back.”
Zakuani flew to Oman to join up with the Congo squad straight after Tuesday’s win over Barnsley.
The tournament starts on January 19 and, depending on Congo’s progress, Zakuani could miss as many as six Posh matches. Thefinalisscheduled for February 10.