Kabwe Warriors ended a 10 year old jinx to beat Nkana 2-0 at their home ground in Wusakile in a week 20 MTN FAZ Super Division match played on Wednesday.
Warriors were coming from a disappointing barren draw against Nkwazi in their last fixture in a week they learnt of their qualification to the ABSA Cup.
Warriors coach Levy Chabala welcomed back Aka Mwachiaba into the team after several weeks on the treatment table recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the 1-0 home win against Red Arrows. Warriors were without Ali Sadiki, Twiza Chaibela and Matthews Nkhowani who are nursing injuries.
Meanwhile Nkana who have qualified for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup were looking for inspiration having suffered a 0-3 home defeat to home town rivals Power Dynamos in the Kitwe Derby.
Nkana Coach Kelvin Kaindu made changes to the last team that lost to Power Dynamos bringing in Ronald Kampamba and Ackim Mumba while benching Misheck Chaili and Emmanuel Mwiinde. Goalkeeper Talbert Shumba rested as Moses Mapulanga started in goal with Kelvin Malunga on the bench. Striker Simon Mulenga was been rested recovering from a minor injury sustained during the Kitwe Derby last Saturday.
Both teams started on a cautious note but it was the visiting team that found the breakthrough in the 16th minute. Prince Mumba beat the Nkana defense before poking the ball past Moses Mapulanga with Jimmy Ndhlovu getting the assist.
Nkana had the opportunity to get a goal but Tshimenga Freddy was off target with only the goal at his mercy. Clearly Nkana were lacking the necessary confidence with Talisman Ronald Kampamba relatively quiet the entire match.
Looking for the equalizer in the second half, coach Kaindu brought it Emmanuel Mwiinde for Ronald Kampamba but it was the team from Kabwe who sealed the match with a second goal from captain Clement Mundia in the 75th minute. Warriors won the ball in their half and went on a devastating counter attack, Prince Mumba linking up with Jimmy Beleki Ndlhovu who returned the ball to Mumba. He found the unmarked Mundia whose first shot was saved but made no mistake in the second attempt.
Nkana pushed for a late rally but Warriors held on for a famous Victory.
