Napsa Stars secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Kabwe Warriors at the Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe this afternoon. The stadium was packed with enthusiastic spectators who witnessed a highly paced match.
The home team pushed for an early goal, but Napsa Stars’ defense, marshaled by Luka Banda, held firm, containing the Kabwe Warriors’ attack. The first half ended 0-0, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but neither able to find the back of the net.
Napsa Stars Head Coach Sipho Mumbi made a tactical change at halftime, introducing winger Christopher Bwalya for Jimmy Mukeya. The substitution seemed to galvanize Napsa Stars, who came out with renewed purpose in the second half.
Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Napsa Stars were unable to find the back of the net. One notable chance was in the 75th minute when midfielder Mathew Tolopa unleashed a powerful shot that had the home crowd on edge, but Kabwe Warriors goalkeeper Mangani Banda made a crucial save to deny Napsa Stars.
The match ended 0-0, a fair reflection of the game, with both teams creating chances and neither able to gain a decisive advantage. Napsa Stars First Assistant Coach Lawrence M. Lubinda expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“I know people may not see this, but we have seen a lot of improvement from the boys,” Coach Lubinda said. “They have played well, and now they just have to build up from here and win our next game.”
When asked about Napsa Stars’ chances of qualifying for the Absa Cup, Coach Lubinda remained optimistic. “All hope is not lost, and we’ll fight till the end,” he said.
The draw leaves Napsa Stars 11th on the league table with 18 points. While the result may not have been the win Napsa Stars were hoping for, it’s a valuable point earned on the road.
Starting 11
32 Rodwell Mukwanya, 6 Wilson Banda, 23 Luka Banda, 35 Mala Makubuli, 44 David Bulaya, 24 Keagan Zulu, 8 Dickson Chapa (C), 30 Simon Nkhata, 14 Rally Bwalya, 26 45 Evans Kayombo Jr, 12 Jimmy Mukeya
Substitutes:
1 Charles Lawu, 4 Gift Zulu, 31 Marvin Jere, 27 Chaniza Zulu, 9 Emmanuel Mwanza, 19 Jackson Ngoma, 17 Christopher Bwalya, 19 Harrison Phiri
Match Officials
Referee: Issa Metcher (Chingola)
Ass Referee: Meck Zulu (Ndola)
Ass Referee: Mubiana Samutymwa (Lusaka)
4th Official: Evans Mulenga (Serenje)
Match Commissioner: H. Ngulube (Choma)