NAPSA Stars FC finally secured a much-needed victory as they triumphed over neighbors, Zanaco FC, with a convincing 3-0 scoreline in a Week-five clash of the MTN Super League.
The thrilling encounter was playe at Woodlands Stadium this afternoon.
NAPSA Stars wasted no time in taking control as Chaniza Zulu fired home a precise pass from Zikiru Adams, opening the scoring and giving his team an early 1-0 lead just in the 2nd minute.
By the 18th minute, Zachariah Chilongoshi unleashed an impressive shot on goal, but it was comfortably collected by Lameck Siame.
The 29th minute saw Zanaco FC having their moment as Wilson Chishala delivered a powerful shot on goal. However, Mukwanya in NAPSA’s goal was up to the task, making a crucial collection.
Moments later, Charles Zulu had a golden opportunity to level the score, but his shot went just wide.
In the 37th minute, another close call followed when Zikiru Adams was presented with a golden opportunity. However, Siame was quick off his line, getting ahead of Adams and making a crucial collection to keep the score at 1-0.
A well-crafted pass from Zikiru to Chilongoshi in the 40th minute promised another chance, but Chilongoshi struggled to control the ball, and the opportunity slipped away.
By the 44th minute, Simon Nkhata took a brilliant long-range shot, catching Siame off guard. Siame parried it away, resulting in a corner for NAPSA, but the opportunity went to waste.
The derby was, of course, not short of drama, as NAPSA’s goalkeeper coach, Yusuf Lumu, was shown a red card and subsequently sent off.
Just one minute into the second half, Zikiru Adams struck, adding to NAPSA Stars’ lead with a beautiful goal, making it 2-0.
In the 54th minute, NAPSA Stars suffered an injury blow as Dickson Chapa was stretchered off, becoming the second player from their team to be replaced due to injury. Keegan Zulu took his place, following Simon Nkhata’s earlier substitution in the 40th minute for Daniel Adoko.
In the 67th minute, Musonda Kapwmbwa had a chance to extend NAPSA Stars’ lead, but he was denied by a determined Zanaco defender after receiving an excellent pass from Zikiru Adams.
The 85th minute provided another goal for the Perry Mutapa-coached side as Boster Siyoma found the back of the net, sealing NAPSA Stars’ victory with a third goal. It was an exquisite pass from Leonard Mulenga.
NAPSA Stars FC celebrated a convincing 3-0 win, marking a triumphant day for the home side and a long-awaited victory to see them move from top of the relegation zone to 12th on the log.
In a post-match interview, NAPSA Head Coach Perry Mutapa expressed his joy at the much-awaited victory. He congratulated his team for their great performance but stressed that there’s still more work ahead, especially in the upcoming matches.
The Pensioners’ next game is against a determined Red Arrows side at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
NAPSA Stars FC X1
Rodwell Mukwanya, Gift Zulu, Luka Banda, Fredrick Mwimanzi, Zachariah Chilongosho, Daniel Adoko (Keegan Zulu 40’), Leonard Mulenga, Chaniza Zulu (David Odhiambo 73’), Dickson Chapa (Keegan Zulu 54’), Musonda Kapembwa (Boster Siyoma 73’), Zikiru Adams.
