NAPSA Stars Football Club recorded their second loss this month at the expense of ZESCO United FC in their week-24 match of the MTN Super League.
The Perry Mutapa drilled side failed to get a double over the home side that hosted them at Nkana stadium on Saturday.
Despite starting the game on a good note with Simon Nkhata issuing the first threat for the visiting side, NAPSA Stars went on to concede two goals in this match.
In the 23rd minute, Collins Sikombe had a chance to give the host the lead but his effort was blocked by Leonard Mulenga.
NAPSA Stars could have gotten a goal in the 33rd minute after a great interchange of passes but all efforts proved futile.
It was Mukuka Chanda who broke the deadlock, scoring for ZESCO United in the 39th minute to see the home side go on break leading the match. Mukuka benefited from a Kelvin Mubanga long throw-in to have a final touch of the ball leaving NAPSA Stars defense watching.
The host could have extended their lead in the 44th minute through Kelvin Kampamba who unleashed a great shot which was parried off by Mukwanya to go out for a corner which was cleared.
Coach Perry Mutapa exhausted all his substitutions in hope for an equalizer, with Musonda Kabengele coming in at the start of the second half to replace Simon Nkhata.
Other changes made came in the 59th minute with Pinoki Vuvu coming in for Jimmy Mukeya, Austin Banda coming in for Leonard Mulenga and Chaniza Zulu coming in to replace Musonda Kapembwa.
Keegan Zulu was the last change who came in to replace Felix Ban da in the 68th minute of the match.
With all these changes, no goal came for the Pensioners despite pushing for an equalizer, but later conceded another goal in the 89th minute to see the host side extend their lead to 2-0.
In a post-match interview, coach Perry accepted defeat saying the team will build on from the loss to take positives in the next match.
The Pensioners host Kansanshi Dynamos FC in their week-25 match to be played the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
NAPSA STARS X1
Rodwell Mukwanya, Gift Zulu, Luka Banda, Keegan Zulu (Felix Banda 68’), Dickson Chapa, Simon Nkhata (Musonda Kabengele 45’), Leonard Mulenga (Austin Banda 59’), Daniel Adoko, Augustine Mulenga, Musonda Kapembwa (Chaniza zulu 59’) , Jimmy Mukeya (Pinoki Vuvu 59’).