UNITED AIM TO PUT BEHIND MUZA DEFEAT AS THEY FACE DYNAMOS

ZESCO United six match unbeaten run under the tutelage of Coach George Lwandamina came to an end following last Saturday’s 1-0 loss to FC MUZA in a match played at Nakambala stadium, Mazabuka.

Andrew Phiri gave the hosts the lead in the 34’ minutes from the spot kick after John Chishimba was controversially judged to have fouled Mwiya Mwiya in the 32’ minute.

United responded in the 47’ minute of the second half with an eye-catching move which saw Lazarus Kambole release a powerful shot from outside the box with an outstretched Monga Ndala only managing to parry the ball into Collins Sikombe’s path who released a ferocious shot which ended up at the back of the net.

Sikombe’s celebrations were unfortunately halted after the referee of the day controversially overruled the United attacking midfielder’s goal for an offside.

With pressure mounting, MUZA FC deployed their time-wasting tactics which saw the host’s players littering the pitch at every given opportunity to the frustrations of the visiting team. As if this was not enough, the match officials could only add 3’ additional minutes after the full 90 minutes after an endless period of delaying tactics.

United players and officials were left perplexed and angered when the FAZ referee blew the final whistle in less than a minute of the added 3 minutes. The poor officiating from the officials added strength to allegations that have haunted FC MUZA of being the most favoured side especially when the Mazabuka side is playing hosts.

South African born and Zambian international goalkeeper, Cyril Chibwe could not believe what was unfolding in front of him.

“It is very devastating because you train Monday to Friday-you put in everything in the game which everyone here saw with their eyes the best team on the day. Unfortunately, the officials killed us today. With all due respect to our opponents, they were not here today.

There was only one team which did the talking on the pitch. They were awarded a penalty which wasn’t one. we had two penalty claims which they ignored, we scored a goal which I don’t understand how it was overruled for offside because the goalkeeper parried the ball and the goal scorer was far from the action. It is disappointing largely because of the poor officiating. FAZ needs to address these problems because it’s wrong.”

Chibwe expects everyone to focus on Saturday’s match against Kansanshi Dynamos to be played at Lumwana stadium.

“We need to look forward to the next game. This one has past we need to get maximum points. On the day there is nothing we can do because the officiating wasn’t on point.”

Author: Desmond Katongo