Forest get their first win
Kabwe Warriors 0-1 Forest Rangers
Forest Rangers finally got their first win of the 2017 season after suffering a defeat in Lumwana on the first day and losing up the three points on the second day to Real Nakonde.
Green Mumba’s deflection goal gave them a hard-earned victory at Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium in the 57th minute.
Green Mumba was well-placed to guide in the lone goal of a tightly competitive match in the second half of the week three encounter with Kabwe Warriors.
The goal was a reward for a bright start from Forest Rangers , but they were matched by Kabwe Warriors for the remainder of the game. However, Forest Rangers deserve the three points for the stability and concentration through out the match that saw Kabwe Warriors only manage one shot on target in the whole first half.
A point would have been just a reward for the efforts of Chintu Kampaba’s side, but having failed to earn that they can take a lot of heart from a spirited display against their opponents with a point to prove following the opening weeks of the season were both teams were looking for their first wins of the season. Kabwe Warriors still have to wait.
For Forest Rangers , victory was all-important, with a stellar performance second half, following their home humbling last weekend were they allowed Real Nakonde steal a draw laterally with the last kick of the game. But they approached this game with purpose and conviction that they would get something.
The approach initially paid dividends as Forest made positive and fluent early forays into Kabwe Warriors territory, one of which teed up their striking force, whose chances were making sense for the travelling fans.
After the goal , however, instead of kicking on, Forest Rangers shrank somewhat and Warriors grew as a force in the game but it was too late to get anything out of the game that Forest made sure they got the three points.
This was Forest Rangers ‘s first super League win in Kabwe in the the last 14 games and you could understand the celebrations of their players .
Deep in the second half, Forest could have settled their nerves but again the cautious game robbed them from getting their second as they concetrated on keeping what they already had than going for the killer. This left Forest needing to show reselience and composure in the final minutes of the match in the face of further pressure from the home side.
Kabwe Warriors fans who understood the result are not impressed with the techinical team and one fan who called soka25east laments that it seems the team is bigger for the coach.
“I think we are unlucky not to get at least a point out of the game. We played well in the second half and Forest Rangers had few attempts. I thought we looked the stronger side in the second half.But truth be said , Chintu Kampamba is not ready to coach Kabwe Warriors. He still needed to be assistant coach.” said Chilufya.
“Maybe it was just that bit of quality in the final third that we didn’t have and if we continue with this we maybe relegated. ”
But a Forest Rangers fan who enjoyed the three points at the stadium were he has never heard his team win was delighted,
“It was a hard game and we expected that because every time you come to Kabwe the crowd get behind them and show great enthusiasm. “But in the first half particularly, we did very well and in the second half we defended well and that was the pleasing aspect for me.”
Kabwe Warriors Ade nearing relegation zone while Forest Rangers go 8th after the Saturday game.
