Zanaco FC displayed remarkable resilience to secure a 1-1 draw against Napsa Stars after playing much of the second half with 10 men in an encounter that produced late goals at Sunset Stadium yesterday.
Zanaco was forced to dig deep after captain Clement Mundia was sent off in the 53rd minute for receiving his second yellow card.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides probing for an opening but failing to break the deadlock.
Following Mundia’s dismissal, Zanaco made several tactical changes, introducing Brian Kabika, Ian Sindaye, Gavin Mukandamwene and Dalitso Phiri for Francis Banda, David Bulaya, Araina Lambert and Idana Chimwemwe as they sought to remain competitive despite being a man down.
Napsa Stars eventually broke the deadlock in the 85th minute when Dickson Chapa converted from the penalty spot after Nester Lukupa was brought down inside the box by Mwenya Mwape.
However, Zanaco refused to surrender and continued pushing for an equaliser. Their determination paid off in the second minute of added time when Kiala Wa Kiala rose to head home from a corner delivered by Gavin Mukandamwene, rescuing a valuable point for the Bankers.
The late drama continued two minutes after Zanaco’s equalizer when a suspected handball by Napsa Stars’ Dickson Chapa inside the penalty area sparked a penalty appeal for Zanaco, but referee Hilary Hambaba dismissed the claims, adding a final talking point to the dramatic encounter.
Speaking after the match, Zanaco coach Numba Mumamba admitted that his side needed to improve its decision-making, particularly in avoiding unnecessary fouls and bookings.
“We need to improve especially on decision making, because that is where we are making mistakes by making loose fouls and earning loose cards,” Numba said.
Despite the disciplinary concerns, Mumamba praised his players for their resilience after being reduced to 10 men.
“I will commend the players for having the right attitude and that fighting spirit, because it’s not easy especially when you are one man down,” he added.
Zanaco will now shift their focus to Saturday’s fixture against Kansanshi Dynamos at Sunset Stadium.
