Kansanshi Dynamos reclaimed the men’s FQM Challenge bragging rights with a 1-0 victory over Trident FC, thanks to Clinton Lubula’s second-half strike.
Lubula struck in the 64th minute to settle a closely fought contest and hand Kansanshi the trophy in the second edition of the fixture.
The home side had created the better chances before the breakthrough, with Trident goalkeeper Haveson Chingambo keeping his side in the game.
Chingambo produced an excellent save to deny Willy Bokingo in the 13th minute, while Madinga had an effort blocked before Tolopa’s 37th-minute free-kick was turned behind.
Kansanshi came closest to opening the scoring before half-time when Bakodila met a corner and saw his effort crash against the woodwork.
But they were not to be denied for long.
Lubula found the decisive finish inside the box after the restart, sending the home supporters into celebration and giving Kansanshi a lead they would not surrender.
Trident pushed for an equaliser but Kansanshi defended their advantage to secure a 1-0 victory.
For coach Dennis Makinka, the performance offered plenty of encouragement after only two weeks of working on his new tactical system.
“I want to commend the boys. For the short time that we’ve been working on our tactics, there were a lot of positives,” Makinka said.
He was particularly pleased with the way his side pressed and controlled the midfield.
“The pressing was there, the counter-pressing whenever we lost the ball. We didn’t give them time and space to have the ball.”
Makinka admitted there was still room for improvement, despite the win.
“We missed a lot of chances, but I’m happy because we were able to create. The boys are understanding each other very well.”
Earlier, Trident Queens claimed the women’s trophy after beating Kansanshi Queens 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.
So while Trident left with the women’s honours, Kansanshi ensured the men’s trophy – and the bragging rights – stayed in Solwezi.
Kansanshi Dynamos 1-0 Trident FC.
