Zanaco Football Club have started their Stream A 2026 Transitional season campaign on a high after securing a 1–0 victory over Nchanga Rangers in their opening league fixture at Nchanga Stadium.
The Bankers made a strong start to the encounter, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Simon Tonga, and setting the tone for what proved to be a closely contested match.
Speaking after the match, Assistant Coach Noel Mwandila acknowledged the difficulty of opening the season away to Nchanga Rangers but praised the team for its preparation and approach to the game.
“Always difficult games, especially first games of the season, and it’s never easy coming to Nchanga Rangers to play them at their home. But I think we prepared well,” Mwandila said.
Zanaco started brightly and created several opportunities in the opening half, eventually finding the breakthrough in the fourth minute. While the Bankers were unable to add to their tally, Mwandila viewed the number of chances created as a positive sign.
“What is important is at least we are creating chances. It’s just a matter of application,” he said, adding that with better execution, Zanaco could have scored more goals.
Mwandila also pointed to the impact of the club’s new additions, noting that the incoming players have brought a different dimension to the team. However, he stressed that the process of building the team remains a work in progress as the new players continue to settle.
“We looked at strengthening the team from where we ended off last season. So, it’s good for competition, if the new guys can settle in and add value to the team,” he explained.
Nchanga Rangers grew into the match after making a tactical adjustment in the first half, putting Zanaco under pressure and enjoying a period of control. Zanaco responded with adjustments of their own after the break, helping to neutralise the home side’s strengths.
The match subsequently developed into a closely fought contest, with both sides creating opportunities. Zanaco had chances to extend their lead and put the result beyond doubt, but ultimately held on to secure all three points.
Despite the positive result, Mwandila acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, emphasising the importance of learning from both the positives and negatives of the opening fixture.
“First game, we look at the positive and the negative and then we’ll continue to work on the negative so that we can become better as the season progresses,” he said.
The victory gives Zanaco a valuable three points to begin the new campaign, with the Bankers now turning their attention to their next fixture against Konkola Blades at home.
Full-Time
Nchanga Rangers 0–1 Zanaco
