ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
ZESCO United today lost an opportunity to reduce the gap at the top of the league table following their 1-all draw against Kafue Celtics in the MTN Super League week 22 match played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.
A 16’ minute close-range shot from Zimbabwean international midfielder Thabani Kamusoko ensured that ZESCO United began today’s game with ease.
Kamusoko beat Kasanda Katana at close range after Kafue Celtics defenders failed to clear Kelvin Kampambas throw-in for the former to score ZESCO United’s only goal of the game.
The Zimbabwean international midfielder’s goal motivated Kafue Celtics players to charge forward in search of an equalizer.
It took only 3’ minutes for the visitors to find the back of the net through a Peter Chikola’s long range shot that went passed between Ian Otieno’s palms.
With the visitor’s confidence pumped up, Albert Kangwanda’s long range effort was comfortably saved by Otieno.
ZESCO United came close at the end of the half with a John Chingandu close-range effort on target that was blocked by Celtics defenders.
The second half lived up to its billing with both teams creating chances which unfortunately could not result into goals.
Kafue Celtics biggest opportunity of the second half came in the 72’ minute when Otieno had to use his feet to stop Caleb Siamagwajo from scoring a second for the visitors.
ZESCO United striker Pedro Miguels well timed run left him face to face with the visitor’s goalkeeper only for the formers effort to be saved at close range.
In his post-match reaction, ZESCO United head coach Numba Mumamba expressed disappointment with his sides failure to get three maximum points.
“I think we had a huge opportunity to close the gap on Red Arrows who drew their league game today. A point isn’t bad, but we could have done better by claiming three maximum points.
The ZESCO United gaffer however acknowledged Kafue Celtics zeal to stop the defending champions from collecting maximum points.
“This was unevenly contested match. Celtics came to the party which made this game to be a 50/50 affair. They made it hard for us to create chances in both halves.
“There are no small teams in football nowadays. You must be at your best to beat such sides. Kafue Celtics gained momentum the moment they got an equalizer. We need to pick up ourselves up and build on this,” Mumamba added.
With Red Arrows only managing to snatch a point at home to Konkola Blades, ZESCO United maintains second position with 38 points while the former sits at the top with 43points.
ZESCO United will now travel to Solwezi where they will face Kansanshi Dynamos in the MTN Super League week 23 encounter.
Author: Desmond Katongo
