The lengthy wait is over. Exhausted Zambian fans, finally quenched their thirsts–the league got underway, on Saturday, 8th April, 2017.
A bit of drama in the opening tie–between newbies City of Lusaka and the visitors Green Eagles, at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
To the dismay of the masses, at the time of kick off, the pitch was not ready to the extent such that, the line marks were yet to be inscribed.
To worsen the matter, some City of Lusaka players had their registration pending with the Football of Zambia. Hence, unregistered players were purged out of the game, forcing “City ya moto” to have only two substitutions.
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It is always a honor to be the first scorer of a new season, and this privilege went to Andrew Phiri of Green Eagles–from the spot and it was brim for the National service sponsored side to register their first triumph of the term.
Charity Shield runners up, Nkana shared the spoils with the Nakambala Leopards at home. To smear salt on the wound, last season’s league leading scorer, Walter Bwalya was denied a brace from the spot, won by his striking partner in crime, Ronald Kapamba.
Money could not buy a maiden victory for Buildcon, at least not yet–as they fired blanks in their stalemate with co-newcomers, Real Nakonde. You can call it, a derby of newbies if you lurk it.
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Did you expect Buildcon to field only foreign players synonymous in their friendly game with TP Mazembe? No! this time, they had one Zambian in the starting line up–Jonas Sakuwaha, and Mathews Nkowani came in as a substitute.
At Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium, Nicholas Mulilo, the young lad, responsible for Zambia’s disqualification at the 2016 Cosafa Cup for age cheating, scored on his debut as Kabwe Warriors were held 2-2 by visiting Nkwazi. And in Northern Province, Forest Rangers edged Lumwana Radiants 1-0.
The writings on the wall were most obvious for Zanaco, the league champions but they opted to turn a blind eye and be architects of their own faltering. The exodus of their key players without perforation, reduced the fold to skeleton such that, they failed to beat a ten men Red Arrows. Bruce Musakanya put the Army side in front before Ziyo Tembo restored parity with a fantastic strike.
It could be just for a day, but Napsa stars, the pensioners don’t care. They are top of the log after coercing Nchanga Rangers 3-0 at Edwin Imboela Stadium. Much endeared to a double by Chitiya Mususu and a goal from Luka Banda.
