Zesco United’s 5-3 demolition of Nkana in the Copperbelt Derby on Saturday 15 August 2015 epitomized their status as defending champions but also send a stone cold message to their rivals. They will not give away the title on a silver platter.
The victory extended their unbeaten run over the Kitwe based outfit ultimately increasing their tally to 46 points. Does any team in the Zambian Super division have what it takes to stop Zega as they are fondly know by their supporters?
Second placed Power Dynamos managed to reduce the gap to 4 points after beating 10 men Nakambala Leopards yesterday Sunday 16 August 2015. Goals from Martin Phiri and Emmanuel Chimpinde sealing the win at Aurthur Davies stadium.
Third placed Zanaco FC could only manage a draw against town rivals Green Buffalos hence releasing the pressure on leaders Zesco United.
Nkana looked like they will blow Zesco United out of the water and run them all the way. When Simon Bwalya and Fred Shimenga gave Nkana a 2-1 lead within 23 minutes of kick off at Levy Mwanawasa stadium, very few fans in the crowd and those watching by television would have predicted the final scoreline, Aggrey Chiyangi’s men giving away their lead immediately and found themselves behind on 35 minutes.
Winston Kalengo levelled the matters at 2-2 with just 32 minutes played and 3 minutes later Clatus Chama pulled Zesco ahead. Justine Zulu added another on 44 minutes to give Zesco a 4-2 at half time. Clatus Chama’s inspirational man of the match performance is worth a mention and it is what propelled Zesco United to that crushing victory over their Copperbelt rivals.
The strength of the Ndola based outfit was outstanding and even though Walter Bwalya gave Nkana hope of a comeback after he pulled one goal back to make it 4-3 that hope was soon snuffed out in the 60th minute by Jackson Mwanza’s cool finish. Jacob Banda had a good run in between the sticks mainly due to the protection from defenders in the Zesco back four. The same cannot be said about his opposite number, Rabson Muchelenga. He had a dreadful day at the office and his poor judgement cost Nkana dearly.
George Lwandamina can feel proud that his side has the character to bounce back and score a lot of goals even though it was all down to goalkeeping errors. He has a complete team and players like Justin Zulu in the midfield can give Zesco United the dynamism and stability needed to seal the title.
The chasing pack in the form of Zanaco and Power Dynamos really need to up their game if they are going to stop Zesco United from retaining the Zambian Super League trophy.
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