Zesco united won their 5th Barclays Cup title on Saturday after they beat Zanaco Football Club by a lone goal. Zesco United came into match knowing that this was their last chance of laying their hands on any silverware after Zanaco’s midweek win over NAPSA stars which means the Bankers only need a point from their remaining games to win the League.
Prior to this match Zanaco had only reached the final once in 2010 despite having participated in all the Barclays Cup tournaments since 2007. The bankers were hoping history does not repeat itself as they lost to the same opponents in 2010.
In form striker Idris Ilunga Mbombo was the difference in the match as he scored his 16 goal of the campaign in the 71st minute.
Zanaco dominated the early exchanges of this fast-paced encounter but were almost caught out in the 7th minute by a Mbombo header which was turned over and behind for a corner by Zanaco goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata following a free kick by Clatous Chama.
Fackson Kapumbu nearly caught Zesco United goalkeeper Jacob Banda out of position with his floated cross in the 20th minute but the Jacob was not going to allow such a huge embarrassment in such a big encounter.
Aubrey Funga scaffed to good chances one one after the other to break the deadlock but his efforts from close range were saved by Banda.
It was now time for Zesco United’s moment of horror as they missed chance after chance. Mbombo. clipped the crossbar with his effort on the half hour mark then John Ching’andu fired narrowly over the crossbar with his effort from range in the 32nd minute while Jackson Were forced a save out of Nsabata from the outside the box just before half time.
There was little to write home about in the second half until first effort the 57th minute when Clatous Chama forced a save from a free kick.
Zesco finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute when Mbombo unleashed a low shot on the turn to beat Nsabata. The “Loadshedders” managed to hold on to the lead until the final whistle.
AWARDS
Man of the Match : Idris Mbombo -K1000
Man of the Tournament : Charles Zulu – K5000
Coach of the tournament :Tenant Chembo -K10 000
Runners Up : Zanaco Football Club -K150 000
Champions : Zesco United -K300 000
