SAKALA, WERE SINK WARRIORS

A second half solid performance from ZESCO United ensured that the league defending champions left Kabwe grinning from ear to ear.

Solomon Sakala’s 55’ minute header gave the visitors the much-needed advantage in a game that failed to produce the much-desired stimulus in the first 45’ minutes.

Both Kabwe Warriors and ZESCO United failed to create goalscoring opportunities in the opening exchanges.

A few close calls from both sets of strikers couldn’t produce any piece of action worth writing home about.

Dickson Chapa’s effort from afar went inches over the bar while Kelvin Kampamba’s free-kick was easily blocked by the Kabwe Warriors solid wall.

ZESCO United showed character in the 15’ minute of the game by dictating much of the play in the middle of the park which also couldn’t produce a goal.

However, it was the hosts who came close to breaking the deadlock unfortunately Jimmy Ndhlovu’s effort went wide.

ZESCO United coach Numba Mumamba gave attacking midfielder, Spencer Sautu and goalkeeper, Gregory Sanjanse their debut.

Sanjase was hardly troubled in the first half while Sautu’s engine did not hit its fullest capacity.

The second half saw a more determined ZESCO United side that pressed forward in search of the opening goal.

Were was the first to pose the first threat on target with a wasted 48’ minute header which he could have easily taken using his right foot.

ZESCO United were back again with Kampamba whose 53’ minute shot on target went agonizingly over the bar.

It was just a matter of time before the hosts unbuckled from the visitors unrelenting pursuit for that important opener.

A 55’ minute corner awarded to ZESCO United was cleanly executed by Kampamba for Solomon Sakala to head in the visitors opening goal. Relief for the defending champions!

Having labored in the first 45’ minutes, Enock Sakala paved way for the more enterprising attacking midfielder Edward Lungu.

The introduction of Lungu stretched the game and added more pressure on the Warriors defenders who were not only feeling the visitors heat but also the unforgiving hot temperatures that Mother nature happily unleashed on the Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu stadium.

If Sautu’s turbines could not generate the much sought-after electric energy in the first half, Mumamba’s halftime team talk ensured that they were oiled enough to produce 336KV voltage enough to weaken the hosts in the second half.

A 62’ minute solo run from the Green Eagles midfielder almost resulted in the second goal for ZESCO United only for his effort to go inches wide.

3’ minutes later, Sautu was at it again pinning an already exhausted Warriors backline only to be frustrated by his final execution.

Kabwe Warriors came close to finding an equalizer but Ndhlovu’s close range effort on target was comfortably saved by an alert Sanjase.

In the 69’ minute, Mumamba shuffled his cards bring on John Chingandu for Kelvin Kampamba.

Ching’andu’s presence brought more pace and creativity in the middle of the park to the advantage of the visitors who 4’ minutes later doubled the lead with a sumptuous tap in from Jesse Were.

To solidify the lead, Mumamba introduced Donashano Malama, Chitiya Mususu resting Sautu and Were.

Kabwe Warriors made fruitless attempts to get a goal back but all their efforts proved futile.

ZESCO United 2-0 victory away to Kabwe Warriors will give the league defending champions the much-needed confidence when they face the Wusakile Boys on Saturday at Nkana Stadium.

Author: Desmond Katongo