By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –
at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
Zesco 2 Buffaloes 2
GREEN Buffaloes yesterday forced Zesco United to a draw at home in an MTN Premier Division League Week 19 game that saw two penalties retaken and a bench-warming player sent off in Ndola.
Buffaloes took the lead against the run of play in the 25th minute when Sebastian Mwansa crushed in a superb free kick.
The goal fuelled Buffaloes and two minutes later talented midfielder Kalunga O’Neil Mwape was unfortunate to see his shot come off the woodwork after slicing through Zesco’s defence.
Zesco levelled in the 31st minute when Nathan Bwalya slotted in a rebound after Fred Silwamba parried Jackson Mwanza’s shot.
The hosts took the lead from the spot in the 50th minute when Mwanza converted a soft penalty that had to be retaken due to encroachment.
Referee Jan Sikazwe awarded the penalty as Lazarous Kambole was rising after easily tumbling in the box and the ball rolled out for a goal kick.
Buffaloes piled pressure and equalised in the 71st minute after a Nyambe Mulenga ball-to-hand incident off Buchizya Mfune’s volley.
Kennedy Chola was also asked by Sikazwe to retake the penalty after another encroachment.
Buffaloes then had unused player, Sydney Lombe sent off for uttering something about Sikazwe’s handling of the match he handed disputed penalties.
Second-placed Zesco move to 39 points, three points behind leader Zanaco.
