Big guns falter in title race
by Mutheliso Phiri 12 August 2012, 02:45
There were five wins and three draws in matches played in the MTN/FAZ Super League on Saturday with front-runners Zanaco, Zesco United, Power Dynamos and Red Arrows all failing to win.
Both Indeni and Nakambala Leopards registered valuable points away from home as did Konkola Blades and Green Buffaloes.
Nchanga Rangers are the only side to have won at home while Nkana came from behind to share the spoils with Roan United at Arthur Davies Stadium.
Konkola Mine Police 0 - 0 Power Dynamos
Power Dynamos travelled to Chililabombwe without their influential midfield duo of Joseph Sitali and Thomas Nyirenda. The duo missed this encounter after travelling with the Chipolopolo for an international friendly against South Korea on Wednesday.
The goalless draw means the defending champions remain in third place with 36 points two behind joint leaders Zesco United and Zanaco.
Zesco United 0 - 1 Konkola Blades
Jackson Mwanza missed a 74th minute which was awarded to Zesco United after Rashad Alundu had tripped Winston Kalengo in the area. The top scoring striker stepped up but Becky Bizangi saved his effort.
Zesco rued the missed chance as Brian Chewe was on hand to score for Konkola Blades in the 88th minute following a counter attacking move.
However the electricity men lead the log on goal difference from Zanaco with 38 points from twenty matches. Zanaco have a game in hand.
Nkana 1 - 1 Roan United
Nkana fell behind to a Tom Bakala second minute goal but were able to share the spoils thanks to a thirty-third minute equaliser by Evans Kangwa.
Roan United dropped to 14th position with 18 points after Nakambala Leopards won at Red Arrows while Nkana remained in 12th with 21 points.
Napsa Stars 0 - 1 Green Buffaloes
Michael Bulaya's first half goal was the difference between Napsa Stars and Green Buffaloes at Edwin Imboela Stadium.
Noel Mwandila created some space for himself on the right flank and found Bulaya in the heart of the area with a pin-point cross. Bulaya received the ball with his left, controlling it before he fired in a shot with his right from point blank range.
The result means that Buffaloes moved into sixth position with 29 points while Napsa occupy the ninth position with 25.
National Assembly 1 - 2 Indeni
Two sides faced by possible relegation came face to face at Woodlands Stadium in a do or die encounter but it was the men from Ndola who emerged triumphant. Moses Phiri put the home side ahead inthe 15th minute but his goal was not enough to salvage any points.
Thomas Mbolela pounced on a defensive error in the 34th minute equalised for the visitors. Michael Mwape added a second in the 54th minute.
National Assembly moved to the bottom of the table with 15 points while Indeni moved to fifteenth position with 17 points.
Red Arrows 0 - 1 Nakambala Leopards
The match at Nkoloma Stadium looked like it would end in a scoreless draw despite the hosts having an upper hand. Nakambala were pinned in their own half and were forced to defend for a larger proportion of the match but Bruce Mwenya put the visitors in the lead in the 67th minute against the run of play.
The host continued to press looking for an equaliser but the match ended in favour of the visitors.
Nchanga Rangers 2 - 1 Forest Rangers
Alex Ngonga's good form at Nchanga Rangers continued as he bagged a brace within the last ten minutes of the match at Nchanga Stadium.
Ngonga has now scored five goals in as many matches since joining Nchanga on loan from Power Dynamos last month. Forest Rangers got their goal in the 5th minute through Zebron Njovu.
Green Eagles 0 - 0 Zanaco
Zanaco complained of the bad surface at Choma's Independece Stadium as a major contributing factor to their goalless draw against Green Eagles.
The bankers are in second place level on 38 points with Zesco United despite playing a game less. Zesco have a better goal difference.
Green Eagles are in eleventh position with 23 points two ahead of twelfth placed Nkana.
