ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Zambian Super League defending champions, ZESCO United yesterday secured a crucial point away from home in the MTN Week 16 fixture against Zanaco played at Sunset stadium, Lusaka.
With the fight for Absa cup places almost up for grabs, ZESCO United came into yesterdays game knowing too well that a victory or draw will get them inches closer to securing a place in next year’s competition.
Green Buffaloes, Green Eagles, Nkana, and Red Arrows have already secured their places in the country’s second prestigious competition.
A 1-all draw against Zanaco means ZESCO United only need a point in Wednesdays rescheduled fixture against Prison Leopards scheduled for Kabwe’s independence stadium.
A 39’ minute first half strike from Samson Mkandawire ensured that the champions avoided a defeat after Zanaco took the lead through a 29’ minute Christopher Muhango’s tap in.
Zanaco took the lead following a Rodrick Kabwe free-kick which was parried by Otieno and finished off by Muhango.
10’ minutes later ZESCO United responded with a Mkandawire powerful free-kick which left Charles Lawu completely beaten.
With a heavy downpour of rainfall having disturbed playing conditions from the onset, this fixture hardly lived up to its historical billing.
ZESCO United Head coach Numba Mumamba praised his team for putting up a spirited fight.
“I think it was an exciting game and also an evenly contested match. Both teams struggled to create enough scoring chances. It wasn’t an easy game for both teams.
“We did account for ourselves very well in a fixture that is always tough. Getting a point away from Zanaco it is a fair result for us. Our team struggled to get into the final third of the pitch as such that made it impossible for us to create scoring opportunities,” he said.
Mumamba expects his side to put up an improved performance in the second half of the season.
“We haven’t performed to the expectation of everyone in the first half of the season. We needed to do better especially in the striking force and with number of injuries in the team, it has been a challenge to get goals.
“We intend to bring in two or three more strikers so that we can improve our striking department. We need experienced players so that we can start scoring goals. Our focus has shifted to Prison Leopards, a crucial game which will enhance our chances of finishing in a better position,” Mumamba added.
ZESCO United will this Wednesday face Prison Leopards in a crucial tie that will determine the team’s chances of getting a place in the 2021 Absa Cup competition.
Author: Desmond Katongo
