The eagerly anticipated Kitwe derby produced no goals, while Zanaco’s Araina Lambert inspired the weekend’s only victory as defences dominated Matchweek 6 of the MTN Super League Transitional Season.
The Kitwe derby failed to produce a winner as Power Dynamos and Nkana FC played out a goalless draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.
In a tense and closely contested encounter, neither side could find a breakthrough, extending a low-scoring weekend in the MTN Super League Transitional Season.
For Nkana, the result means back-to-back matches without a win or a goal after their three-match winning run was ended by Konkola Blades last weekend.
Kalampa remain third in Stream A with 10 points from five matches (W3 D1 L1), level with second-placed Zanaco FC but trailing leaders FC MUZA.
Power Dynamos, meanwhile, remain fifth on seven points from five matches, having scored just four goals this season, the joint-lowest tally in Stream A alongside Nchanga Rangers.
Saturday’s results underlined the defensive nature of the transitional campaign, with five of the six fixtures across the two streams ending in draws. Only seven goals were scored, with Zanaco FC providing the day’s sole victory.
Lambert brace inspires Zanaco comeback scare
Zanaco FC claimed the only victory of the day, overcoming Trident FC 3-2 in an entertaining five-goal encounter in Solwezi.
Araina Lambert was the standout performer, scoring twice to help the Bankers secure a crucial victory in the race for the Stream A Final Playoff place.
The forward opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a well-taken finish after being set up by Mwenya Mwape.
Kiala Wa Kiala doubled Zanaco’s advantage six minutes later following a defensive mix-up between the Trident goalkeeper and his backline.
Lambert struck again four minutes after the restart to put Zanaco firmly in control at 3-0.
However, Trident refused to surrender and mounted a late comeback through in-form striker Sam Sikasote, who headed home in the 62nd minute before completing his brace in the 85th minute.
The hosts had earlier threatened from a free-kick through Lazarus Chengo, and Sikasote’s second goal set up a tense closing spell. Zanaco, however, held on to collect all three points.
The victory lifts Zanaco to second place in Stream A with 10 points from five matches (W3 D1 L1), just one point behind leaders FC MUZA.
Konkola Blades, who sit fourth on nine points, also remain firmly in contention with a game in hand, making the race for the stream’s sole Final Playoff position increasingly competitive.
Kansanshi fight back to deny NAPSA
In the other Stream A fixture, Kansanshi Dynamos twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against NAPSA Stars at Solwezi Independence Stadium.
NAPSA made a positive start when Nicolas Chisempele opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Kansanshi responded through Bebby Musangala, who produced a fine angled finish in the 39th minute following good work from Clinton Lubula and Mathews Tolopa.
Godfrey Binga restored NAPSA’s advantage two minutes into the second half with a header from a corner.
However, Joseph Ssemujju rescued a point for the hosts in the 89th minute, converting from the penalty spot after being fouled by Christopher Bwalya.
The draw leaves Kansanshi sixth on five points, while NAPSA remain eighth on four points after recording their fourth draw of the campaign without a victory.
At the summit, FC MUZA maintained their position with 11 points from five matches after being held to a goalless draw by Nchanga Rangers.
The Mazabuka-based side continue to boast one of the division’s strongest defensive records, having conceded just twice in five outings.
Green Eagles retain Stream B advantage
Stream B produced an even tighter afternoon, with all three matches ending goalless.
Leaders Green Eagles were held by Kabwe Warriors, but the draw was enough to preserve their position at the summit with 11 points from five matches (W3 D2), having scored six goals and conceded just once.
ZESCO United moved into second place after sharing the spoils with Nkwazi FC.
Zega have now played six matches, more than any other side in Stream B, and sit on nine points, two behind Green Eagles.
Red Arrows and Chirundu United also settled for a 0-0 draw, with the result extending Chirundu’s unbeaten run to three matches in their debut Super League campaign.
Chirundu remain fourth on eight points from five matches (W2 D2 L1), level with Green Buffaloes, who did not feature on Saturday.
At the bottom of Stream B, Mufulira Wanderers and Mutondo Stars remain in the relegation positions on two and zero points respectively.
In Stream A, Nchanga Rangers and Makeni All Stars occupy the bottom two positions.
With only the top team from each stream advancing to the Final Playoff, the margin for error continues to narrow as the transitional season progresses.
On a weekend dominated by stalemates and defensive resilience, Zanaco were the only side to collect maximum points, with Lambert’s double proving decisive in an increasingly tight Stream A promotion race.
