TC OPTIMISTIC AS UNITED DISMANTLE CHAMBISHI

ZESCO United’s quest for a top four finish continues to make headways following Sunday’s league victory over relegation threatened Chambishi.

The nine times league champions beat Chambishi 3-0 in the MTN super league week 31 fixture played at Nkana stadium in Kitwe.

United ruthlessly dismantled an ambitious Chambishi side with goals from 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winner Nathan Sinkala, Enock Sakala and Lindo Mkhonta.

Chambishi started the first half desperate to get a quick goal against a United side which was coming from a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Green Buffaloes.

With very few chances created in the opening exchanges, Chambishi came close to taking the lead after Edwin Chipili found himself one-on-one with Ian Otieno only for the former’s effort to be saved by the Kenyan shot stopper.

United responded in the 27’ minute with Nathan Sinkala’s header from a Kelvin Kampamba well taken corner going inches over the cross bar.

Otieno was yet again the hero of the half for United after pulling off another brilliant save to deny Innocent Kashita from opening Chambishi’s account in the 36’ minute.

Despite playing some good possession football, Chambishi fail behind courtesy of a Sinkala flying header which left Rodwell Mulungushi helpless.

Sinkala’s goal lifted United’s spirits to advance forward resulting into a 45’ minute Sakala goal which gave the hosts some stability before the second half.

Pumped up with a first half 2-0 scoreline, United added a third with only 11 minutes played in the second half.

Lindo Mkhonta was left to roam freely with the ball just outside the visitor’s penalty box granting the Eswatini international defender time to unlock a powerful long range shot which beat Mulungushi.

United held on to the lead which has now moved them into sixth position, three points behind second placed Napsa Stars.

Meanwhile, with only three games to play before the close of the season, United assistant coach, Tenant Chilumba believes the race for top four is still open.

“Congratulations to our boys for a job well done. We really wanted to win this game in order to increase our chances of finishing in a good position. If you critically look at teams from second to tenth position, we all have a chance to finish in the top four.

We have a tough game on Saturday against Nchanga Rangers. It is a very important game to both teams which will require a lot of planning,” Chilumba said.

United will this Saturday face Nchanga Rangers in a week 32 fixture scheduled for Chingola’s Nchanga stadium.

Author: Desmond Katongo