CHAMBISHI 0 NAPSA 0
TWO brilliant second half saves by Chambishi keeper Rodwell Mulungushi were enough to deny NAPSA Stars FC a chance to reclaim second slot on the log after playing to a scoreless draw at Nkana Stadium yesterday.
With Buffaloes having beaten Zesco 2-1 on Saturday, the Pensioners needed to beat Chambishi to crawl back on the second slot, but instead moved from fourth to third, tied on same points with Forest Rangers FC.
Forward Musonda Kapembwa had a great chance in the 13th minute but he failed to connect a Zikiru Adams well taken cross.
Five minutes after this, the host responded with a Patrick Farahani shot which was easily collected by Mukwanya.
After missing firing in the first half, NAPSA raved the game up in the second stanza with Adams Zikiru being denied from close range in the 60th and 74 minute by and instinctive Mulungushi.
In the 60th minute, Zikiru powered a header from close range but Mulungushi reacted quickly to parry the ball before it was eventually cleared by defenders.
Another chance came for NAPSA Stars 15 minutes later, when Mulunushi again saved a close-range header from Zikiru which was destined for goal.
And in a post-match interview, Coach Perry Mutapa described the draw as frustrating for his side.
“The only consolation we get is that we did not lose, we created chances and we could have scored so it’s a frustrating result, but we shall take a point,” Coach Perry said.
The draw moved NAPSA from fourth to third on the table with 46 points, 10 behind leaders Power Dynamos while Chambishi remained second from bottom albeit earning one point to move to 29 points.
NAPSA Stars will host Nchanga Rangers in their next match scheduled for Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
NAPSA STARS X1
Rodwell Mukwanya, David Odhiambo, Luka Banda, Gift Zulu, Joseph Lungu (Fredrick Mwimanzi 45’), Daniel Adoko(Austine Banda 86’) Chaniza Zulu (Simon Nkhata 45’) , Daniel Adoko, Augustine Mulenga (Jimmy mUkeya 64’), Musonda Kapembwa (Pinoki Vuvu 72’), Zikiru Adams.