CAN UNITED UNLOCK FORTRESS BRAVE RANGERS?

It is perhaps a record that any title winning side should have been aiming to cement. But not even the 2022/23 MTN Super League Champions elect, Power Dynamos can come close to what relegation threatened Nchanga Rangers have managed to achieve so far .

If titles were awarded to those with a home unbeaten record, then Brave Nchanga Rangers would have been aiming to ensure that the seal at Nchanga stadium remains tight when they host ZESCO United on matchday 32 and Kabwe Warriors on matchday 34.

At week 31, Rangers are the only club without a home loss but agonizingly find themselves in a battle for survival. The Chingola based league outfit have registered eight wins and ten draws at home while sitting just a point away from the danger zone.

Tomorrow, Rangers welcome arguably Zambia’s football powerhouse for the last two decades in ZESCO United.

Rangers fortunately will be facing a United side that has labored this season to find the chemistry, oomph, and romance that potently delivered an unprecedent nine league titles.

As the season draws to a close, George Lwandamina’s men are ready to die for a top four finish, with whetted appetites particularly for a CAF Confederations cup slot.

Last Sundays 3-0 victory over Chambishi was a shot directly into the veins of United who currently sit in sixth position with 46 points while second placed Napsa Stars are just three points ahead of the Ndola based side league outfit.

United will have a big opportunity to close the gap on Napsa Stars provided they beat Nchanga Rangers and hope that Nkana overcome the Pensioners at Nkana stadium on the same day.

Lwandamina will be counting on the likes of Enock Sakala, Spencer Sautu, Vincent Oburu, Lazarous Kambole, and Collins Sikombe to undo what almost every team in the league has failed to do this season thus far. These lads will need to be firing in all cylinders.

To canter away with a victory, United need cutting edge minds in the midfield which can orchestrate defense splitting passes that will overwhelm the hosts defenders.

Kezironi Kizito, John Chingandu, Songa Chipyoka, Kelvin Kampamba, Nathan Sinkala, Mukuka Chanda and Kelvin Kapumbu are some of the players that can-do damage to any team.

Denis Nya is expected to be at the center of ensuring that United walls are not breached and is likely to be supported by Lindo Mkhonta, Clement Mwape, Shemy Mayembe, John Chishimba and Sam Mkandawire.

Kenyan international shot stopper Ian Otieno has been in superb form after returning his position between the sticks.

Otieno who vehemently believes United have a strong chance of grabbing second position will need to be in sparkling form against Brave Nchanga Rangers.

The stage is set for United to swing the best punches and possibly unlock Ranger’s home unbeaten record.

Author: Desmond Katongo