Napsa Stars Football Club were held to a goalless draw by Luapula Green Eagles in a match week-21 played at Kaole stadium in Mansa last Saturday.
Napsa Stars had a promising start when striker Jimmy Mukeya had a chance of making the team take the lead early when he shot a brilliant strike that slightly went over the bar two seconds into the game.
The home side were going to take the lead if the strike from Alfred Mafuleka did not go few inches away from the near post in the 16th minute of the game.
The game was not short of disappointments from the match officials, one of them was when Austine Banda was brought down in the box and the referee decided not to blow the whistle for a penalty in the 37th minute.
Another questionable decision from the match officials was when a Luapula Green Eagles player was scot free from what seemed to be a hand ball in their 18-yard box which was going to produce a penalty in favor of Napsa Stars.
In the second half, Napsa Stars seemed to be hungrier for goals as Keegan Zulu’s run that looked like was going for a goal was called for an offside in the 50th minute.
In the 52nd minute of the game, Austine Banda’s free kick shot was denied by Luapula Green Eagle’s goalkeeper Richard Njovu.
Musonda Kapembwa who came in for Jimmy Mukeya in the 63rd minute had an opportunity of silencing the home team side with a powerful shot that went few inches above the goal in the dying minutes of the game.
In a Post-match interview, Head coach Perry Mutapa said his team performed very well and attributed the draw to the poor condition of the pitch.
He says he is happy with the team picking a point considering the current condition of the pitch in which the players could not adapt to it.
“We wanted the three points but I will be happy with a point considering the circumstances.” Mutapa said.
Commenting on Joseph Lungu who made his debut, the Head Coach commended the player and said that he had a good start despite playing in a pitch that is in a bad state.
Napsa Stars now have 40 points, same with log leaders Lumwana Radiants from the 21 games played having won 11 games, drawn seven and lost three while Luapula Green Eagles have move to 13th position from the 21 games played who have won five games, drawn six and lost 10.
The Pensioners’ next game will be at home against Young Green Buffaloes this Saturday at Woodlands stadium in a week 22 encounter.
Story by Harry Mfula