PENSIONERS have moved to fifth on the log after a 2-all draw against Choma side Green Eagles FC in a week-21 match played last Saturday.
And team Head Coach Perry Mutapa expressed happiness with the result and his team’s performance in Choma.
Despite NAPSA Stars taking an early lead in the 9th minute through a Simon Nkhata goal, the team conceded two quick goals in the 17th and 22nd minute which saw them fight until extra time to get an equalizer.
It was clear that NAPSA Stars travelled to Choma for serious business having pushed many times to get goals in this match.
Eagle’s Aaron Musore was denied a goal in the 14th minute when his shot was collected with ease by Rodwell Mukwanya. The player did not stop pushing until he scored an equalizer in the 17th minute.
In the 21st minute, Dickson Chapa had a great chance to get a goal for NAPSA Stars but his well taken free kick was parried off by Eagles goalkeeper.
A minute after this action, Green Eagles took the lead with Lewis Macha scoring on his debut in the 22nd minute to give the home side a 2-1 goal advantage.
NAPSA Stars responded in the 25th and 40th minute through Keegan Zulu and Musonda Kabengele respectively, but the two goals were ruled out for offside.
Another opportunity came for NAPSA Stars in the 51st minute through Augustine Mulenga who shot in long range, but his effort was well denied by Eagles goalkeeper.
The Pensioners kept pushing for an equalizer with notable chances coming in the 74th and 83rd minute through Jimmy Mukeya and Dickson Chapa respectively.
After so many chances missed, finally NAPSA Stars got a goal through Musonda Kapembwa in added time to see the match end 2-2.
“The boys fault, it’s not easy to win here so it’s a massive result for my boys,” Were the words of Coach Perry Mutapa to react to his team’s performance.
The draw saw NAPSA Stars move a step up the ladder from sixth to fifth with 31 points.
The Pensioners next fixture is a home game when they host Kitwe side Power Dynamos FC in a week-22 match.
NAPSA Stars X1
Rodwell Mukwanya, Gift Zulu, Luka Banda, Fredrick Mwimanzi, Musonda Kabengele (Leonard Mulenga 45’), Keegan Zulu (Daniel Adoko 68’), Dickson Chapa (Boster Siyoma 86’), Simon Nkhata, Austin Banda (Jimmy Mukeya 68’), Augustine Mulenga (Chaniza Zulu 77’), Musonda Kapembwa.