Zanaco head coach, Numba Mumamba has expressed happiness after his side collected maximum points in a 2–0 away victory against Mutondo Stars in a match played yesterday at Kafubu stadium in Luanshya.
Speaking after the game, Mumamba said the win was well deserved, especially after drawing their previous two matches. He praised his players for executing the game plan effectively, which unsettled the hosts early in the contest.
“Our plan was to unsettle them in the first half, and it worked because we scored two goals, which gave us an edge,” Mumamba said. “Here we are, going back home with three points.”
Zanaco took the lead in the 23rd minute when Malawian international, Idana Chimwemwe finished neatly into the left side of the goal after receiving a clever pass from right-back Mwenya Mwape. The goal was Chimwemwe’s second of the season.
Mutondo Stars responded strongly and looked dangerous as they searched for an equaliser. However, a defensive miscommunication allowed Eliya Mandanji to intercept the ball, beat the goalkeeper, and calmly slot it home in the 40th minute.
Mandanji’s strike took his tally to 10 goals this season, with five of those coming in his last six matches.
Mumamba expressed delight with Mandanji’s continued success in front of goal, describing him as a key reinforcement since joining the team at the start of the season.
“He is a young lad who has been doing well since he joined us. He settled in very quickly and is giving us the goals we need,” Mumamba said.
The Zanaco coach also noted that the win was crucial heading into the league break, as it provides momentum for the team going forward.
The match saw an early forced substitution after Zanaco goalkeeper was injured and was replaced by Lameck Siame.
The result leaves Zanaco fourth on the table with 41 points from 25 games, and they still have a game in hand against Kabwe Warriors.
Zanaco will resume league action on March 28 with a rescheduled fixture against Kabwe Warriors. With only nine matches remaining, the Bankers are determined to finish the season strongly.
