ZESCO UNITED SWITCHES OFF POWER

ZESCO United this afternoon came from a goal down to beat Power Dynamos 2-1 in a thrilling FAZ/MTN Super League week 14 rescheduled fixture played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola.

The visitors were the first to break the deadlock as early as the 7^’ minute after some neat footwork between Luka Chamanga and Spencer Sautu with the latter’s cut back presenting an opportunity for the former to score.

This was another nervy start to the game for ZESCO United after going through a similar hurdle of conceding in the early minutes of the game against Buildcon, a match that the former convincingly won by 3-1.

Like the Buildcon game, ZESCO United reasserted themselves quickly with some counter attacking football.

Zimbabwean midfield genius Tafadzwa Rusike came close in the 10^’ minute with his effort on target going inches wide.

The visitors were not unperturbed by the hosts threats with Chamanga causing problems for the ZESCO United defense.

In the 21’ minute Chamanga forced an excellent double save from Otieno.

Zimbabwean international midfielder, Thabani Kamusoko yet again came to the rescue of ZESCO United pulling a goal back in the 27’ minute with a cracking volley which proved too strong for Jackson Kakunta to save.

In the 29’ minute, Kakunta pulled off a fantastic save to stop Rusike from scoring a second for ZESCO United.

In the 35’ Spencer Sautu’s effort from a free-kick at the edge of the ZESCO United penalty box was easily saved by an alert Otieno.

In the 38’ minute ZESCO United defender, Adrian Chama almost gifted the visitors with a second goal after his back pass landed in the path of Sautu but Otieno saved the day for the hosts.

Both teams went on break on a 1-all stalemate with the second half promising to be an explosive encounter.

ZESCO United and Power Dynamos started the second half beaming with confidence. Unfortunately for ZESCO United Clement Mwape was stretched off in the 49’ minute with an injury with Solomon Sakala taking his place.

It didn’t take long before Power Dynamos came agonizingly close with Kennedy Musonda’s effort coming off the post.

Musonda’s effort was warning enough to ZESCO United that their visitors had enough ammunition to unlock their defense.

Mumamba’s faith in young players even in the most difficult circumstances yet again proved the difference.

In the 64’ minute, out went Rusike, in came John Chinga’andu while Enock Sakala junior replaced Were.

It took Sakala only 6’ minutes to unlock the Power Dynamos defense with an excellent tap in after being put through by the ever enterprising Winston Kalengo.

Sakala’s goal ensured that ZESCO United claimed all three points from Power Dynamos to go top of the league table.

Author: Desmond Katongo