UNITED, AZAM SETTLE FOR DRAW

Zambian Super League side ZESCO United yesterday drew 0-0 against Tanzanian giants, Azam FC in an international friendly match played at Chamazi Sports Complex.

Both Azam and ZESCO United were using the game to assess their teams ahead of the 2022/23 football season which will see the two sides represent their respective countries in the CAF Confederations Cup.

Chamazi Sports Complex was yesterday packed to the rafters in anticipation of the clash which lived beyond what many would have termed a friendly match.

For the hosts, the match was part of a celebratory event as they marked Azam Day in style.

It was further an opportunity to unveil some of their marquee signings ahead of the opening of the Tanzanian league.

Like Azam, Numba saw the game as an opportunity for most young stars and those without CAF experience to feel the depth of international football.

It was a chance for the likes of Luwawa Kasoma, Samuel Sikaonga, Samson Mkandawire, Chipyoka Songa, Enock Sakala and John Chishimba to test the waters before facing Africa’s finest teams.

Unfazed by a jubilant crowd that came to witness arguably the second biggest game of the weekend, ZESCO United didn’t take long to settle in a match that was moving at a blistering pace.

It took only 3’ minutes for Kasoma to unleash a long-range shot which was comfortably saved by Ali.

With a jubilant crowd salivating for some fine piece of action, Mugunu stormed forward before unlocking a thunderous long-range effort that was tipped over the bar by Ian Otieno.

Azam’s Ibrahim and Mugunu proved a menace in the visitors flesh especially with their marauding runs forward which overworked Adrian Chama, and Clement Mwape.

ZESCO United started last nights game with Kelvin Kampamba waiting to have a bite at the cherry before the final 90 minutes.

The 2022 Cosafa Player of the Tournament didn’t need to wait for too long coming on in the 18’ minute after Kasoma got injured.

ZESCO United would come yet again closer to unlocking the deadlock but Chama’s header from a corner went off target.

In the 33’ minute Chipyoka found himself with a clear sight on target releasing a ferocious shot that didn’t worry Ali.

With the game headed for halftime, Mugunu collected the ball from the center circle before powering a long range shot which was saved by Otieno.

Azam almost took the lead in 4’ additional minute with Amoahs inch perfect header going inches over the cross bar to the relief of Otieno.

The second half was played at a similar tempo with former Nkana striker Idriss Mbombo and Rodger Kola leading the attack for Azam.

Sensing the hosts desire to find a goal, Numba quickly reshuffled his side bringing on Collins Sikombe,Enock Sakala, Jack Ngulube, Solomon Sakala, replacing Francis Banda, John Chishimba, Jack Ngulube and Alfred Leku.

Kampamba was the first one to have a go at Ali with a 51’ minute long range shot that went over the bar.

Azam responded with Manyama who found himself unmarked in the penalty box but his effort from a header went over the bar.

The hosts pilled more pressure on the visitors with Mbombo managing to tower above the ZESCO United defenders only for his header to go inches wide.

A 67’ minute break in the middle of the park saw Kampamba release Sikombe with the latter only needing to pick his spot beyond a helpless Ali.The ZESCO United attacking midfielder however failed to convert at close range.

Tepsi Evans had the last chance of the game to put the hosts ahead but Otieno tipped his well-crafted shot from a free kick over the bar.

ZESCO United return to Ndola today at 12:20 aboard Air Tanzania before shifting their focus towards Saturday’s league opener against Prison Leopards.

Author: Desmond Katongo