ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
FAZ/MTN Super League giants, ZESCO United Football Club today drew 0-0 with Red Arrows in a week 9 fixture held at Nkoloma stadium.
ZESCO United were hoping to snatch some crucial 3 maximum points and stretch the lead at the top of the log table.
However, today’s encounter turned out to be a cagey affair with very little opportunities created from both ends especially the visitors.
Red Arrows were unfortunate not to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 28’ minute after Clement Mwape was judged to have pushed Francis Simwanza.
Veteran Striker James Chamanga stepped up to take the penalty. However, for Chamanga his effort hit the upright despite sending Otieno the wrong way.
It was a relief for the visitors and despair for the hosts who at this point dominated play and created more chances.
ZESCO United came close in the 16’ minute with Enock Sakala missing his effort at close range only to be denied by Kenny Mumba.
The visitors held on to what is arguably an important away point considering the fact that this has been a busy period for all the teams with games coming in thick and fast.
In his post-match comments, Mumamba praised the team for what he described as a spirited performance:
“It is a good result on our part. We were playing a determined Red Arrows especially if you look at the way they came at us in the first half. We had to contain all that pressure.
Second half we improved and played much better and created chances which we couldn’t convert into goals. Otherwise I am happy with the performance of the team especially at the back where we were tactically disciplined. It was difficult for Arrows to score.”
Mumamba expects his charges to collect 3 maximum points when the former champions host Indeni in a week 10 fixture scheduled for the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.
“We will need to make up for the lost two points when we meet Indeni. It is important for our consistency.”
Mumamba will be hoping creative midfielder, Kelvin Kampamba recovers from his injury before Saturday’s early kick-off.
A draw at Red Arrows means that ZESCO United drop to second on the log table with fifteen points while Buildcon ascend to the summit after beating Green Buffaloes 1-2 amassing fifteen points with a better goal difference.
Author: Desmond Katongo
