The pensioners recorded another victory in their week-25 match of the Eden National Division One League yesterday after beating Livingstone Pirates by 2 goals to 1.
What seemed as a perfect match for the Perry Mutapa coached side ended in a dramatic scene after Pirates were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the match.
As if this was not enough, the Pensioners also suffered a blow when two of their key players in Austin Banda and Luka Banda were sent off by Livingstone based referee Philad Bwalya who was in the center of things in yesterday’s match.
The Pensioners took an early lead in the 6th minute through a Daniel Adoko header which he benefited from Joseph Lungu’s cross.
The host had a chance of equalizing in the 35th minute when a Stephen Mwanza shot in the 18-yard box went slightly wide.
Another chance for the host came in the 42nd minute when Edward Chinfwembe’s shot was well saved by Rodwell Mukwanya.
NAPSA Stars defender David Odhiambo had a chance to get his first ever goal for the Pensioners in the 74th minute when his shot was denied by Pirates keeper.
A few minutes after this, Odhiambo assisted midfielder and substitute Keegan Zulu to score a second goal for NAPSA Stars in the 80th minute.
Coach Perry made three substitutions I’m this match with his first coming in the 55th minute introducing Simon Nkhata for Doisy Soko.
Keegan Zulu was introduced in the 76th minute for Chaniza Zulu while Chanda Mushili came in the 84th minute replacing Musonda Kapembwa.
And in his post-match interview, coach Perry said he did not want to dwell so much on the officiating but was happy with the three points at the end of the match.
Coach said getting two red cards for his key players came as a big blow for his side preparing for another match against Nchanga this weekend.
The victory over Pirates has seen Napsa maintain third position but close enough to log leaders who lead by two points and second placed team leading pensioners with a point.
The Pensioners host Nchanga at Woodlands Stadium this Saturday.
