As Lumwana Lead the table after week three
Lumwana Radiants 2-0 Green Eagles
Hilary Bwalya steared a fine display and scored in the first half to stop any dream of three out of three for a very determined Green Eagles side.
Green Eagles were not relatively poor and their chances fell to to their players who found the Lumwana defence equal to the task and could not beat Mweemba in goal .
Manfred’s side had opportunities to hit back after they went behind, but they looked devoid of confidence and lacking in leadership as they fell to their first defeat of the 2017 super league and hence giving up leadership in week three.It was worse when they conceded a penalty and Hosea Silwimba slotted in without an error to have two so far in the league.
And Green Eagles will go into their crucial game against Real Nakonde in Choma next weekend hoping to get maxium points and get back to winning ways .
For Lumwana the result was a welcome and encouraging one after they were unfortunately paged back by Red Arrows in week two were they were undoubtedly the best side of the encounter. They were barely tested by Manfred’s men but with games to come against Mufulira Wanderers and Konkola Blades, coach Bestone Chambeshi will appreciate the three points before a busy two weeks which Mighty and Blades will fight with their lives.
Once Green Eagles resulted in firing from a distance early on, the first half was regularly punctuated by efforts on the Green Eagles goal with Hilary being one of the key players of course and Hosea controlling the proceedings.
Green Eagles has now conceded three goals from three games , still not the worst record in the super league so far and they will be in a hurry to get back to winning ways .
Coming into the match Green Eagles were the league leaders with two wins out two so it was no surprise that they lined up defensively to protect their unbeaten run and no drop of any points .
The goals dealt a blow to the visitors, who remain in the top four , and their reason for their position was highlighted in the way they lined up and came with purpose in the second half .
Green Eagles did recover somewhat before the break and forced a save from Mweemba, but visiting coach Chabinga was left ruing another poor first half-performance and looked forward for half time hoping for a better display. Eagles were often outnumbered in midfield, where Bestone looks to be having strength with his team.
That the hosts did not add to their lead was down to some smart defending by Green Eagles particularly Warren Kunda but while he helped them flow, there were few signs that Eagles could claw their way back into the match.
Perhaps what will worry Bestone most as he heads to Shinde Stadium for the vital game against Mufulira Wanderers, is that his team look like they have settled and may approach Mighty with some complecency but for now Lumwana Radiants are a form team of the league and deserve to be leaders at the close of week three especially with a sweet revenge against Green Eagles !!!
Well done Lumwana
Bola ibaba
