 Zambia was knocked out of the Olympics race by Egypt 5–2 on aggregate, but when Egypt pulled out for political reasons Zambia took their place and Kalambo led his country to Moscow 1980 where Zambia were knocked out in the group stage with three defeats to Cuba, the USSR and Venezuela.Although he led Zambia to CAN 1982 he was carrying an injury and after recovering, only featured once in the third and fourth play-off win over Algeria, due to the emergence of the impressive young left-back John Kalusa of Rhokana United.He was handed a midfield role but was substituted at half-time.