CHITIYA, MWILA SINK INDENI

It is now 9 consecutive league wins out of 9 games for ZESCO United. Today, the Ndola based league giants faced a stubborn Indeni side in the Ndola derby staged at Indeni Sports complex.

This was the second time the two sides were meeting with Indeni narrowly losing 3-2 at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.

Today’s mouthwatering fixture was expected to produce the same kind of spark which characterized the first meeting.

Having smoked out Nkana, Power Dynamos and recently Nkwazi Football Club, Indeni came into today’s encounter bubbling with confidence.

As anticipated, Indeni mounted pressure on ZESCO United in the first half of the game, creating few but promising opportunities which, unfortunately they couldn’t convert into goals.

Indeni striker, Tiki Chiluba was the first one to test Ian Otieno in the first minute of the game with powerful shot that went over the bar.

Two minutes later Graven Chitalu’s header went straight into the palms of Otieno who was having a busy first half.

ZESCO United struggled to create scoring opportunities on a surface that proved too difficult for the league leaders to play their usual Champagne football.

Musakanya and Makwata came close in the 36’ and 40’ minute respectively, unfortunately their efforts could not yield a goal.

In the 43’minute Kelvin Kampamba, attempted to beat Charles Lawu with a sumptuous chip that went inches wide.

The game went on break with both teams failing to find the back of the net.

ZESCO United started the second half with urgency knowing too well that they needed to collect maximum points.

With Indeni standing firm for most part of the second half, Mumamba shuffled his cards, bring on Mukuka Chanda, Chitiya Mususu, Enock Sakala and Luwawa Kasoma.

Mumamba had seen enough of Chinga’andu, Musakanya, Makwata, and Molinga.

Chanda was an instant impact adding more pace and support to the midfield which was initially anchored by John Ching’andu, Kelvin Kampamba and Samuel Sikaonga.

Kasoma’s speed and trickery in front of defenders unsettled the Indeni backline which looked vulnerable every time ZESCO United went forward.

With only 7 minutes left on the clock, Mukuka was brought down just outside the Indeni penalty box.

Mwila Phiri stepped up and dispatched a well-executed freekick beating Charles Lawu on his right side.

Phiri’s goal rallied Mumamba’s men to charge forward with Indeni’s confidence withering with each passing minute.

2 minutes later, some neat interchange of passes between Enock Sakala and Chitiya Mususu saw the latter unlock a powerful shot that left Lawu completely beaten.

Chitiya’s goal and first for the club insulated the former league champions double victory over their fiercest rivals.

Today’s victory means that ZESCO United have 52 points from 24 games maintaining their 10-point gap between themselves and second placed Zanaco who now have 42 points following their victory over Forest Rangers.

ZESCO United will this coming Wednesday host Green Eagles at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium.

Author: Desmond Katongo