Dynamos too strong for Zesco
by Mutheliso Phiri 25 October 2012, 07:10
Power Dynamos moved to within one point of league leaders Zanaco with a 1-0 win over third placed Zesco United in a rescheduled week 24 fixture played at Mwanawasa Stadium on Wednesday.
Power scored the lone goal in the 57th minute through Emmanuel Chimpinde five minutes after goal keeper Jacob Banda missed a penalty for Zesco.
The first half was evenly contested with the proceedings taking place in midfield. However, ithe early chances for a lead fell to the visitors.
Kamuzati Kabwe's free kick on 15 minutes missed the target by inches while Emmanuel Chimpinde was well placed to tap home from close range but he went for power rather than accuracy and his effort from a Simon Bwalya cross went over the bar.
At the other end Zesco's real and only chance fell to John Chingandu who sent his header over the bar after being set up by Kangwa Chileshe in addititional time at the end of the first half.
The second half was more livelier than the first as both sides searched for the opening goal. Zesco were more creative in the final third forcing Power to commit mistakes in defence.
Zesco were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute after Billy Himonda brought down Simon Silwimba in the area but goalkeeper Jacob Banda who had stepped up for the kick sent his effort over the crossbar.
However Power took the lead five minutes later through Chimpinde who spectacularly chipped over Banda from Joseph Sitali's cross from the right flank.
Power Dynamos coach Beston Chambeshi said his charges played according to instruction.
" It was a tough tactical and physical game but my boys played according to instructions. We could have lost the match had Zesco scored the penalty but God was on our side because the penalty should not have been awarded in the first place because Billy got the ball," said Chambeshi.
Chambeshi added that he respected the referees decision to award the penalty and believed that Joshua Titima would have saved the kick had it been on target.
Zesco goalkeeper said he did not regret taking the penalty because it was his duty as a player.
" I have no regrets because missing chances is part of football," said Banda.
The result means that Power have 53 points from 27 matches while Zesco have 49 having played a similar number of games. Zanaco lead the standings with 54 points.
