By Precious Bwale
Konkola Blades head coach Beston Chambeshi has praised his players for their tactical discipline and fighting spirit after they opened the MTN Super League season with a 2-1 victory over defending champions Power Dynamos.
Clive Biyeta put Blades ahead inside the opening minute, giving the hosts a dream start against the reigning champions.
Power responded late in the second half when Amine Hiver converted from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute after Jackson Mulambia was brought down inside the box.
But Blades refused to settle for a point and regained the lead three minutes later when Wilson Chisala inadvertently turned the ball into his own net from Biston Banda’s corner.
Chambeshi was delighted with the way his side executed their game plan against a Power Dynamos team he described as a formidable opponent.
“It has been a tough game. Playing the champions Power is not easy, but I am happy with the way the boys fought. They came on board to do the job and they played to our tactical approach,” Chambeshi said.
The Blades coach acknowledged the need to respect the reigning champions but insisted his players were determined to match them on the pitch.
“We respected Power Dynamos because they are our champions, but we said on the pitch we have to be on our toes. We have to play our best and the boys put up a good fight.”
The result gives Konkola Blades the perfect start to the campaign and sends them to the top of Stream A after the opening round of matches.
For Power Dynamos, the defeat means the champions begin their title defence without a point.
