Napsa Stars’ outing on the Copperbelt came to a close with a barren draw against log leaders Zesco United at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The return fixture drew a sizable crowd, eager to witness an exciting encounter. The match began with Zesco United pushing hard to score, but Napsa Stars remained composed, effectively containing their opponents. The first half ended goalless, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
The second half commenced with renewed intensity, as both teams created scoring opportunities. Napsa Stars had their fair share of chances, but unfortunately, failed to capitalize on them. Despite this, the team’s defense remained solid, thwarting Zesco United’s attempts to score.
Head Coach Sipho Mumbi expressed satisfaction with the result, describing it as “not bad” considering Zesco United’s tactical prowess and position as log leaders. “I feel our boys played well,” he said. “Although we wanted a win, securing a point away from home is commendable, as the boys put up a good fight.”
When questioned about his message to the fans, who have been demanding better results, Coach Mumbi urged patience. “The boys are working hard, and I’m hopeful that going forward, we’ll maybe acquire one or two strikers to bolster the team.” He acknowledged the fans’ frustrations but emphasized the importance of supporting the team through this challenging period.
The draw against Zesco United leaves Napsa Stars with 20 points, occupying 13th position on the log table. Although the team’s current standing may not be ideal, Coach Mumbi remains optimistic about their prospects. With the league set to resume on January 11th, Napsa Stars will face Atletico Lusaka in their next fixture.
As the team heads into the recess, they will regroup and reassess their strategy. Coach Mumbi will likely use this break to work on strengthening the team’s attack and addressing any defensive vulnerabilities. With renewed focus and determination, Napsa Stars will aim to return stronger and more resilient in the new year.
The stalemate against Zesco United may not have been the most thrilling encounter, but it demonstrated Napsa Stars’ ability to compete against top-tier opposition. As the team looks to improve their standings, they will draw inspiration from this hard-fought draw and strive to build on this momentum in the second half of the season.