ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
ZESCO United players will tonight go to bed feeling hard done by a Nkwazi side that many thought was going to find it unbearable to collect maximum points at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.
However, at the end of the full 90’ minutes, the Police sponsored side players were as shocked with the outcome of today’s result as the hosts.
Nkwazi this afternoon beat ZESCO United 0-1 in the FAZ/MTN Super League week twelve rescheduled encounter played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.
The visitors took the lead in the 56’ minute through a Christopher Zulu well taken penalty which was awarded after Marcel Kalonda brought down Bernard Kumwenda.
ZESCO United players confidently came into today’s fixture at the back of an outstanding victory against current league champions, Nkana Football Club.
Sunday’s result had propelled the former league champions to 2nd position on the log table with 22 points; just a point behind league leaders Prison Leopards.
On the other hand, Nkwazi travelled to Ndola at the back of a home draw against Lusaka Dynamos which left them languishing in the relegation zone with only 13 points.
The stage couldn’t have been better for two sides with different ambitions but only with one objective of collecting crucial points.
ZESCO United had their eyes firmly set on leapfrogging Prison Leopard from the summit of the table whilst Nkwazi’s aim was to swim out of the relegation zone.
It was clear from the onset that the Police sponsored side had set up to attack and defend in numbers.
Nkwazi’s Elias Kazangarare was the first one to test Ian Otieno in the 9’ minute but the ZESCO United shot stopper was equal to the task.
Nkwazi continued with their marauding runs into the ZESCO United area however, their efforts proved futile.
The hosts quickly settled and took charge of proceedings with some well-coordinated football.
In the 12’ minute ZESCO United came close with a Thabani Kamusoko effort that was comfortably saved by Davy Kaumbwa.
ZESCO United came close In the 15’ and 24’ minute through Fackson Kapumbu and Winstone Kalengo unfortunately the two could not find the back of the net.
Mwape Mwelwa came close in the 41’ minute but his close range effort was saved by Kaumbwa.
Nkwazi remained disciplined at the back and continued to pose serious questions to the ZESCO United defenders each time they attacked.
Kenneth Kasanga tested Otieno with a powerful shot in the 42’ minute which the latter comfortably saved.
The first half ended with both sides having failed to find the back of the net.
The second half started with the hosts pushing forward to get a quick goal. Unfortunately for ZESCO United, the visitors remained resolute.
Nkwazi almost took the lead in the 53’ minute however, Kumwenda put his effort wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
ZESCO United came close through a John Makwata powerful shot that went slightly off target.
The visitors grew into the game with each passing minute and constantly created problems for the hosts midfield and defense with some counter attacking football.
In the 56’ minute Nkwazi were awarded a penalty after Marcel Kalonda fouled Bernard Kumwenda.
Christopher Zulu stepped up to give the visitors the only important goal of the match.
ZESCO United created several opportunities through Makwata and Kalengo but their efforts could not yield any positive outcome.
Today’s victory means that Nkwazi has moved to 8th position on the log table whilst ZESCO United still occupy 2nd place.
ZESCO United’s next fixture will be against Lusaka Dynamos on January 30, at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola.
Author: Desmond Katongo
