Patson Daka scored his 7th Premier League goal of the season to help Power Dynamos overcome bitter rivals Nkana 1-0 in a fiercely contested Kopala Derby that was marred by crowd trouble at Arthur Davies stadium this afternoon.
As expected, the match started on a fast note as both sets of fans chanted in a stadium packed to the rafters.
Billy Mutale’s challenge on Ronald Kampamba on 2 mins in the box brought in a penalty claim for Nkana but referee Wisdom Chewe waved play on.
Walter Bwalya surged foward on 4 minutes in what was a glorious chance for Aba Red but dragged his shot wide of Alan Chibwe’s goal.
Diego Apanene had a chance for Nkana from a free kick on 7 minutes but his attempt hit the yellow wall.
For Power it is was Kelvin Mubanga who was pulling all the strings in the midfield linking up well with Kennedy Mudenda on the left, Govenda Simwala on the right and Luka Lungu upfront.
Kennedy Mudenda beat Donashano Malama in the 18 yard box on 11 minutes but his finish didn’t match his skill.
It was all Power Dynamos at that point with Lawrence Chungu’s shot deflecting off Macduff Chungu’s leg causing chaos in the Nkana defense.
Patson Daka eventually put Power ahead with a headed goal on 19 minutes beating Scott Ngokene in the Nkana goal. Govenda Simwala with the assist.
Luka Lungu was causing a lot of problems for the Nkana defense making good runs in attack for Power Dynamos.
Jacob Ngulube shot on 21 minutes tipped over by Alan Chibwe
Victor Kashitu came on for Situmbeko Julius just after 26 minutes, clearly a forced substitution for Dan Kabwe.
Tshimenga should have levelled for Nkana but he hit the post on 27 minutes. Agony for Nkana.
Nkana defender Diego Apanene was struggling to keep up with the pacy Kennedy Mudenda who was switching wings at will for Power Dynamos.
Ronald Sate Sate Kampamba was having a quiet match as he was being closely martialed by Billy Mutale in the Power defense.
Power Dynamos led 1-0 at the break but the restart was delayed by 14 minutes due to crowd trouble with Nkana fans throwing misiles on the pitch.
Guilly Manziba came on for Simon Bwalya in the 55th minute to help change fortunes for Nkana but it was the home side who almost doubled the lead, Kennedy Mudenda hitting the post on 64 minutes.
Aggrey Chiyangi then brought on Bonwell Mwape for Jacob Ngulube in the 75th minute in another attempt to level matters.
However, it was the yellow side of Kitwe who kept the pressure onto Nkana.
Goalscorer Patson Daka was withdrawn for the remainder of the match on his place came Martin Phiri to see out the game.
Power held on for a glorious win that sees them move to 49 points, a point behind Nkana who are on 50 points.
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