UNITED STUN NKWAZI WITH KEZIRONI’S LATE WINNER

Zambian Super League giants ZESCO United yesterday stunned Nkwazi with a 0-1 victory in the MTN Super League week three fixture played at the Edwin Mboela stadium, Lusaka.

With the game seemingly destined for a barren draw, Ugandan attacking midfielder Kizito Kezironi produced a magical moment when he cut inside the hosts penalty box before unleashing a powerful shot that left the Nkwazi goalkeeper completely beaten.

Nkwazi were the first to have a go on target with Mashikilos header coming off the upright

ZESCO United responded with a 14’ minute Kelvin Kampamba’s long range shot that was comfortably saved by Nyambe.

With very few chances created between the two sides, Sakala attempted to catch Nyambe unexpected with an overhead bicycle kick which was again saved by the Nkwazi shot stopper.

The cleanest of opportunities fail into the path of Collins Sikombe after a good interchange of passes with Kelvin Kampamba.

Sikombe unlocked a ferocious shot outside the Nkwazi penalty box only for the ball to come off the upright with Nyambe completely beaten. Leku’s follow through unfortunately went over the bar.

The first half ended with both Nkwazi and ZESCO United unable to find the back of the net.

Having watched his side fail to break the Nkwazi defense, Numba made several changes which saw Keziron Kizito replace Kelvin Kampamba while Mukuka Chanda came on for Collins Sikombe.

Numba also introduced Luwawa Kasoma for Songa Chipyoka while Chitiya Mususu came on for Alfred Leku.

Nkwazi’s relentless efforts to find a quick second half goal almost paid off but Mulunges effort was saved by Ian Otieno.

ZESCO United responded in style with Kezironi’s sumptuous pass to Ngulube who released a beautiful cross which was met by a towering Sakala whose header went inches wide.

The visitors took control of the match with Keziron doing most of the damage in the middle of the park.

A 75’ minute close range header from Mukuka almost found the back of the net but Nyambe comfortably collected the ball.

With only 9’ minutes remaining on the clock, a quick interchange of passes between Mukuka and Keziron saw the latter dribble past one defender before releasing a close range shot that left Nyambe completely beaten.

The Ndola based league giants held on to the lead, collecting their first three maximum points.

Numba commended his side for showing good spirit and character which resulted in the clubs first victory after three games.

“Getting three points here is good motivation especially that we lost to Red Arrows. It was a game we needed to collect three points. We were too slow in the first half of the game. We made changes in the team which brought life in the team

“This was about having strong mental strength especially that this is not an easy hunting ground for any team. We told them what was at stake and the importance of winning the game.”

Numba praised Kezironi for having brought creativity and stability into the game.

“Excellent display from Kizito, he stabilized the midfield where we struggled in the first half. Kizito and Chanda brought stability and we took control of the match.”

The ZESCO United gaffer expects yesterday’s victory to inject more confidence into the side ahead of Saturdays game against Lumwana Radiants.

“This game will motivate us as we go into the next game against Lumwana. We really needed to win today. I know the fans think it will be an easy game, but small teams are usually motivated when they meet big sides.

“We will make sure that our players are at their best on Saturday so that we can collect maximum points. We will not underrate Lumwana because we know what they can do.”

Author: Desmond Katongo