By RONALD CHAWE at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium –
Forest 1 Power 2
MIDFIELDER Kelvin Mubanga scored a brace as Power Dynamos reduced the gap on Zanaco and Nkana after coming from behind to snatch a vital win off Forest Rangers in Ndola.
The win saw Power move to 46 points to be within four points of second-placed Nkana and nine behind leaders Zanaco, while Forest are stuck mid-table on 28 points.
Kobe Chipeta gave the home side a false start after he nodded home a Masautso Zimba corner in the 15th minute, but the lead was short-lived as Mubanga levelled scores in the 24th minute.
Mubanga’s goal came two minutes after Ronald Chibwe had missed a clear cut chance from Chipeta’s cross to double Forest’s lead as the teams were tied 1-apiece going into half time.
Felix Nyaende almost restored Forest’s lead but his volley hit the upright with Allan Chibwe beaten, but the home side got punished after Mubanga scored via a well-struck free kick that caught Forest goal-minder Joel Kanyemba off guard.
Zesco 0 Eagles 0
In the second match played at the same venue and beamed live on SuperSport, champions Zesco United were left frustrated by Green Eagles, writes SAMUEL LUKHANDA.
Zesco, who have played six games less, messed up a chance to go level on points with fourth-placed Green Buffaloes as they remain fifth on 37 points, while Eagles are sixth from bottom on 26 points.
Eagles defended resolutely to pinch a point thanks in part to a lethargic performance by Zesco, who had to make do without their Kenyan trio of Jesse-Jackson Were, Anthony Akum Agayi and David Owino Odhiambo.
It was a largely forgettable showing by Zesco who had a lot of possession but lacked the punch and bite in the final third.
Substitute Mathews Nkhowani had the best chance of the game when clever play by Cletus Chama found him in space in the box only for Nkhowani to blast his effort over with time expiring.