NAPSA Stars picked up a point away from home as they played to a goalless draw against Red Arrows FC in their league opener played at Nkoloma Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Perry Mutapa said in his post-match interview that he was happy with his team’s performance, but sad to have recorded a draw after a good performance.
The Coach stressed that he felt the game was supposed to be won in the first half, but his players struggled to capitalize on their many chances.
“We had a good game and we have to work on the striking force going forward especially with the coming match against Nkwazi,” Coach Perry added.
It was clear from the start that the Pensioners where not going to hand Arrows an easy three points with the first threat issued just in the first minute when Austin Banda’s chance was stopped by Arrow’s defender Allan Kapila.
In the 30th minute, Daniel Adoko had another chance for the Pensioners to put the Pensioners in the lead but his effort went wide.
Finally, Arrows had a chance in the 35st minute when James Chamanga managed to get passed NAPSA defense but was stopped by Mukwanya who was too alert to get the ball in his hands.
Another chance came for Arrows a minute before the first half ended when striker Ricky Banda was presented with a great chance but is efforts went wide.
In this match, a total of five changes were made by the Pensioners made while Arrows made five changes.
Midfielder Dickson Chapa was entrusted in a right back position but came to the party to impress the technical bench.
NAPSA Stars Starting XI: Mukwanya, Gift Zulu, David Odhiambo, Luka Banda, Dickson Chapa, Daniel Adoko, Sydney Kalume (Mwimanzi 78’), Jimmy Mukeya (Musonda K 61’), Chaniza Zulu (Leonard 61’), Austin Banda (Siyoma 55’) .
FANS TOP FIVE PLAYER RATING FOR THIS MATCH:
- Sydney Kalume- Had a great high pressing game
- Luka Banda – Was able to stop strikers, made a lot of interceptions.
- Dickson Chapa- Having been entrusted in a new role in this match, the player came to the party. Was able to get the basics right.
- Keegan Zulu- Found in good position when attacking and defending. Made a few errors but did what was expected of him.
- Rodwell Mukwanya – Made some good notable saves to stop the opponent from scoring.
