CAN UNITED RIDE ON NKWAZI VICTORY?

Kezironi Kizito’s late winner was all ZESCO United needed to get their title ambitions back on track.

ZESCO United desperately needed a lifeline after a dismal start to the 2022/23 football season which saw the Ndola based side draw 1-all against Prison Leopards before losing to Red Arrows 0-1.

Next up on the list was a Nkwazi side that was also grappling to get their rhythm following a 1-0 loss to Power Dynamos and a barren draw against Napsa Stars.

Edwin Mboela has never been a good hunting ground for any Zambian sides including ZESCO United.

Last season ZESCO United could only manage to canter away with a point after the match ended in a goalless draw.

Saturday’s game looked like a simulation of last seasons with both sides failing to find a goal in the first 45 minutes.

ZESCO United Head Coach, Mumamba Numba turned up the heat in the second half which saw Kezironi Kizito, Luwawa Kasoma and Chanda Mukuka replace Kelvin Kampamba, Collins Sikombe and Songa Chipyoka.

Numba’s changes worked wonders with his side pinning back the hosts with some fine football which saw Kezironi take command of the midfield.

Kezironi’s slalom moves gave the visitors the oomph and cutting edge which was missing in the first half of the match.

It was not a coincidence that it was the Ugandan attacking midfielder who put the Ndola based league giants ahead with a crucial 81’ minute goal which ensured that the visitors left Lusaka smiling from ear to ear.

In his post-match comments, Numba urged his side to build on Saturday’s victory against Nkwazi.

“This game will motivate us as we go into the next game against Lumwana Radiants. 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.”

ZESCO United’s win against Nkwazi was a timely chiller for their supporters who just a few days ago expressed discontent after defeat to Arrows.

Numba was right to call Saturdays victory a morale booster. ZESCO United has arguably assembled the best league side for this season campaign with eight new recruits.

The eight are still in the process of understanding their new corners and the responsibility that comes with donning the Orange and Green jersey.

ZESCO United were not at their best against Prison Leopards but showed glimpses of a side that could dominate teams when they faced Red Arrows.

A combination of Kelvin Kapumbu, Kezironi and Sikombe put Red Arrows on the backfoot and almost gave ZESCO United an equalizer.

When it looked like another barren draw against Nkwazi, Numba yet again looked to the exciting Kezironi, and Chanda Mukuka to bring stability and creativity in the middle of the park.

It is very clear that the ZESCO United gaffer is arguably facing the best nightmare in terms of selection especially with the vast amount of talent he has in midfield.

Kezironi, Kapumbu, Sikombe, Kampamba, Chipyoka, Chingandu, Mukuka, Luwawa, and Lungu are all at Numba’s disposal.

Numba is spoiled for choice but the ZESCO United gaffer knows too well that he will need to have a variety of choices to command his midfield depending on the type of opponent they face and their shape.

ZESCO United will this weekend face Lumwana Radiants in the MTN week four fixture which many will expect the hosts to win.

The last time these sides met ZESCO United thumped Radiants 4-1 before completing the double with a 1-0 victory in Solwezi.

Lumwana Radiants on the other hand have so far been a different side to the one ZESCO United dispatched with surgical beauty in the last campaign the two teams met.

The Solwezi based side have so far started their league campaign on a good note, beating Green Eagles 3-1, losing 3-1 to Power Dynamos before getting a crucial home 1-0 victory against Napsa Stars.

ZESCO United’s win over Nkwazi has reinvigorated peoples waning expectations ahead of Saturdays fixture.

Numba and company will also be beaming with confidence knowing too well that a win could push them up the ladder.

Author: Desmond Katongo