Twenty twenty-two ABSA Cup Champions NAPSA Stars Football Club has failed to qualify for the 2023 ABSA Cup after today’s one-all draw with Nkana FC.
Today’s result has seen NAPSA Stars stuck on 11th position with 18 points, with two games remaining which will not help the Perry Mutapa-coached side reach the top six bracket after the first round of the 2022/23 MTN Super League.
The Pensioners won the 2022 ABSA Cup title after beating Red Arrows FC by a goal to nil through a Chaniza Zulu goal in an exciting final which was played at Nkoloma Stadium.
This afternoon, NAPSA Stars settled for a one-all draw against Nkana Football Club in a game played at the National Heroes Stadium.
The home side had a promising start to the game issuing threats as early as 12th minute with Augustin Mulenga taking his chance slightly wide.
Just a minute after this, Keegan Zulu also had a chance but his header was well saved by Kelvin Malunga.
In the 20th minute, Daniel Adoko was presented with a great opportunity to put his side in the lead with a great cross from Austin Banda which he failed to connect.
Nkana responded with a Patrick Gondwe header in the 31st minute which went slightly over the bar.
The visitors did not waste their second chance, with former NAPSA Stars player Jacob Ngulube scoring a few minutes before half time, converting his cross into a goal to send Nkana into the lead.
As the second half unfolded, NAPSA Stars’ Frederick Mwimanzi pulled the goal back to equalize during the 66th minute of game.
During the 88th minute of the game, Jimmy Mukeya who was in a good position, wasted his chance by giving the ball to the goalkeeper.
And during the post-match interview, NAPSA Stars Assistant coach Sipho Mumbi said the team played well despite missing a lot of chances.
“We have been creating chances here and there but it is just the finishing” Mumbi said.
He however said the team has shifted its focus to the next game which will be against Forest Rangers in Ndola stating that they are going there for a win.
Nkana FC assistant coach John Lungu was happy with picking a draw away from home.
“The game was 50-50, as you know we are coming from a loss from Power Dynamos so a draw from here is good for us,” Lungu said.
Today’s result sees NAPSA Stars stuck on 11th position on the log with 18 points, while Nkana are 13th on the log with 15 points.
NAPSA Stars FC X1:
Jackson Kakunta, Gift Zulu, Luka Banda, Fredrick Mwimanzi, Dickson Chapa, Sydney Kalume(Chaniza Zulu 59’), Daniel Adoko, Keegan Zulu, Austin Banda, Augustin Mulenga (Jimmy Mukeya 45’), Musonda Kapembwa (Boster Siyoma 76’)
