By Angela Bambala Bwalya
NAPSA Stars head coach Tenant Chilumba has called for improvements in front of goal after his side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nchanga Rangers in the Transitional League on Saturday.
Mwiza Siwale’s third-minute strike proved decisive at the final whistle, leaving NAPSA frustrated after failing to convert their opportunities into a positive result.
Chilumba admitted his side fell below expectations, pointing to Nchanga’s tactical organisation and experience as key factors in the contest.
“Very disappointing result. We didn’t play well today. We were playing a very tactical team with experienced coaches. We gave away chances in the first half, and in the second half, we struggled,” he said.
NAPSA showed greater attacking intent after the break, with the introduction of substitutes providing fresh impetus and creating opportunities to find an equaliser.
Chilumba was encouraged by the impact of his replacements, suggesting their performances could earn them more playing time as the team searches for a turnaround in results.
“I think they are changing the game. They are still young, so we want to give them more time, more game time. I thought they came in well. They created chances. Unfortunately, we didn’t score,” he said.
However, the NAPSA coach acknowledged that creating chances would count for little unless his players improved their finishing, identifying the issue as a key area for the technical bench to address in training.
“They just need to up their game. They are not scoring but creating chances, so we go back to the drawing board and work on the finishing,” Chilumba added.
The defeat leaves NAPSA eighth in Stream A with three points from four matches, having recorded three draws and one defeat. Nchanga Rangers move up to ninth with the same number of points but an inferior goal difference.
Despite the disappointing start, Chilumba believes securing a first victory could provide the momentum needed to improve the team’s fortunes during the transitional campaign.
“I think there is a lot of change. We just have to win one game, then we’ll see what it will take us and where it can take us. But, of course, this is the game we wanted to win,” he said.
NAPSA will now turn their attention to a meeting with Kansanshi Dynamos, who are also seeking a response after suffering a 3-0 defeat to ZANACO FC.
Chilumba expects another demanding encounter but insists his players must remain focused and work hard as they pursue their first win of the campaign.
“It’s a very difficult game, but you see, it’s a transition, so we just need to work hard and concentrate,” he said.
