The Pensioners were in action yesterday for their rescheduled week-27 game of the Eden National Division One League when they visited Quattro FC at Kalumbila Ground.
A 10 Man Zambia Super League bound Napsa Stars beat Quattro Kalumbila by 2 goals to nil in a waterlogged pitch to move close to log leaders FC Muza.
It was Bornwell Silengo who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute from a David Odhiambo delivery.
Napsa stars were down to 10 men as Odhiambo was stretched out due to an injury he sustained in the 78th minute and a force substitution could not be made as the Pensioners depleted all the possible changes.
Five minutes before that, the Pensioners had lost another dependable central defender in Luka Banda who sustained a cut on his nose and needed medical attention.
Quattro Kalumbila clearly failed to capitalize on their opponent’s 10 men down as Daniel Adoko doubled the lead from an Austine Banda delivery in the 83rd minute of the game.
The win has taken Napsa Stars to 50 points, third on the log just three points behind log leaders MUZA while Quattro Kalumbila remain at the bottom with 20 points.
In spit of the win, Napsa Stars head coach in a post-match interview described the game to be tough citing the waterlogged pitch, Luka Banda sustaining a broken nose and David Odhiambo stretchered out due to pulling a muscle.
He however said his team impressed him despite the challenges encountered.
Commenting on the next game against Lumwana Radiants, Napsa Stars gaffer said he expects a tough match against the rivals.
“But we are a team we have carried enough players to fill in the positions. It is going to be difficult because Lumwana is a good side obviously also they are aiming to play in the premier league but we are also aiming to do that.” Mutapa said.
Mutapa also lamented over skipper Luka Banda and Odhiambo who are likely to miss the next game against top Lumwana Radiants.
If Quattro do not pull up from the loss, the chances of going back to the Provincial will look brighter.
Lumwana Radiants who are Second with 51 points will be looking forward to grab maximum points against Relegation threatened side Police College this afternoon.
The race in the league looks to be interesting as it is not about who will finish in the top four and be granted qualification to the Super League but also who be crowned kings of Eden looking at the points difference.
Copperbelt based Nchanga Rangers who are fourth on the log with 46 points will not give up the remaining fights as they don’t want to surrender their position to Young Green Eagles and Mufulira Wanderers.
Ends
Story by Harry Mfula and Gwen Chipasula