RADIANTS HOLD UNITED AS KAMBOLE RETURNS IN STYLE

Former Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Lazarus Kambole announced his return to ZESCO United with a debut goal which unfortunately could only secure a point for the visitors when they faced Lumwana Radiants at Lumwana stadium in Slowezi.

Kambole struck in the 36’ minute to give ZESCO United an advantage after both teams failed to create clear cut chances in the initial openings of the game.

The 29-year-old wizardly winger found himself staring at two Radiants defenders who managed to block his initial shot but agonizingly labored to thwart Kambole’s second attempt which easily went past a helpless Fred Silwamba.

With only 9’ minutes on the clock to play, Josphat Kasusu picked up the ball just a few yards from the visitors penalty box before unleashing a ferocious shot that went past Gregory Sanjase to level matters.

A 1-all draw was not what ZESCO United were hoping for especially after recording two draws and a win in their last three games.

Unlike ZESCO United, Lumwana Radiants were left beaming with joy considering their current position on the table.

The game started with Radiants hoping to draw first blood on a bumpy pitch whose misgivings they knew too well.

Christopher Tiki was the first to test Gregory Sanjase with a powerful header which went way over the bar.

ZESCO United responded in the 6’ minute with a powerful long range shot from Kelvin Kapumbu which hardly troubled Silwamba.

Radiants cleanest strike on target came in the 15’ minute after Aubrey Funga unleashed a powerful long range shot which was saved by Sanjase.

Pheuzzy Chibandika’s attempted to catch Sanjase with an overhead bicycle kick which was saved by the ZESCO United shot stopper.

If the visitors were going to find the back of the net, it was going to be through the ever mobile and enterprising Kambole. And it was not surprising that the winger found the back of the net in the 36’ minute.

ZESCO United went into the second half with their tails up but also mindful of the need to stretch the lead.

Meanwhile Radiants returned with eagerness to level matters and almost came close in the 50’ minute but Chibandikas effort went way over the bar.

Edward Lungu’s slalom runs in the wings almost paid off after he beat two defenders before releasing a sumptuous cross which was missed by Kambole.

Lungu would repeat his trademark runs down the wings which proved mouthful for the Radiants defenders. Lungu dispatched an inch perfect cross in the 65’ which Kambole failed to guide on target.

Radiants turned up the heat in the 75’ minute with ZESCO United struggling to keep them at bay.

The hosts fought their way back into the game through Kasusu’s 81’ minute goal which spoiled ZESCO United’s ambitions of claiming three maximum points from the Solwezi based league side.

Coach George Lwandamina will be rallying his charges to quickly find their winning spirit as they prepare to host Green Eagles on Saturday before travelling to Power Dynamos a week after.

Author: Desmond Katongo