ZESCO UNITED TAME STUBBORN INDENI

John Ching’andu yesterday bagged a brace which ensured that Indeni football club left Ndola’s Trade Fair Grounds empty handed.

A meeting between ZESCO United and Indeni always produces the intensity that often surrounds any local derby.

Last season ZESCO United sunk Indeni both home and away with both encounters leaving spectators with wetted appetites.

Yesterday Indeni hosted ZESCO United in the MTN Super League week four encounter staged at the Trade Fair Grounds, Ndola.

However, yesterdays derby was decided by ZESCO United captain, Ching’andu whose first and second half goals ensured that no ounce of Oil was drilled from the ground.

A fine interchange of passes between Winston Kalengo and Ching’andu saw the former release a sumptuous cross for the latter to tap in beating Indeni goalkeeper, Alpha Lukong at his near post with only 7’ minutes of the half played.

Indeni asked a few questions in front of the ZESCO United goalmouth but the visitors defense stood firm.

ZESCO United looked favorites to score every time the team charged forward with Kelvin Kampamba, Edward Lungu and Winstone Kalengo proving a menace to the hosts defenders.

In the 34’ minute, Kampamba dribbled passed two defenders unfortunately his shot on target could not trouble Lukong.

The game went on break with ZESCO United dictating matters on the scoreboard with Indeni hoping to make a comeback in the second half.

Indeni started the second half of the match looking for an equalizer while ZESCO United were hoping to extend their lead.

Indeni came close in the 45’ minute unfortunately Martin Phiri’s ambitious effort outside the visitors penalty box went wildly over the bar.

4’ minutes later Chinga’ndu was back on the scoresheet after managing to block Lukong’s attempt to clear a back pass with the ball ending up at the back of the Indeni’s goalmouth.

ZESCO United stepped up the heat with Lungu causing havoc to the hosts defense every time he charged forward.

Lungu saw his close-range powerful header outstandingly saved by the Indeni goalkeeper who was having a busy day to remember.

In the 68’ Lungu released a delightful cross to Kalengo only for the veteran strikers shot to be saved by an outstretched Lukong.

The last piece of real action came in the 81’ minute when Luwawa Kasoma’s unlocked a powerful shot which was yet again saved by Lukong.

Yesterday’s 0-2 win over their town rivals meant that ZESCO United have now claimed 6points from two games thus far played.

The MTN league champions will this Wednesday travel to Lusaka where they will face league promoted side Kafue Celtic.

Author: Desmond Katongo