By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Green Eagles coach Perry Mutapa has praised his side’s tactical discipline after they secured a 1-0 victory over ZESCO United, insisting that his game plan worked to perfection in their MTN Super League Transitional Season encounter.
Amity Shamende came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 74th minute, handing Green Eagles their second consecutive victory and sending them to the top of Stream B with six points from two matches.
Speaking after the match, Mutapa admitted that ZESCO had put his side under considerable pressure in the first half but was pleased with how his players executed their instructions before taking control after the break.
“I think the game plan worked to perfection because ZESCO came at us, especially in the first half. So, it’s good when you plan for the game,” Mutapa said.
The Green Eagles coach revealed that his technical bench had anticipated a determined response from ZESCO, who were eager to claim their first victory after opening their campaign with a draw.
Mutapa said the hosts’ intention to win was evident, particularly after their coach had described the encounter as a cup final.
“We knew ZESCO, after drawing the first game, wanted to win this game in front of their home supporters. From the interview, of course, the coach said it was a cup final, and we knew that was transferred to the players,” he said.
“It was a cup final indeed because in the first half they came at us, and they were all over us. But come the second half, we made some substitutions because that was our game plan, and exactly what we did.”
Those tactical adjustments paid off when substitute Shamende found the back of the net 16 minutes from time to secure all three points for the visitors.
Mutapa was delighted with the impact of his substitutes, singling out the match-winner for his decisive contribution.
“Amity Shamende coming from the bench, he scores. Wonderful,” he added.
The victory means Green Eagles have collected maximum points from their opening two matches, both away from home, but Mutapa was quick to remind his players that there is still plenty of work to be done.
“Playing two games, six points away from home, it means a lot. I think the boys, especially in today’s game, they worked a lot,” he said.
“It’s just the second game, so we go back, we plan for the third game. Yes, this is a huge win, but it doesn’t mean anything.”
Green Eagles will now prepare for their next assignment against 2026 ABSA Cup champions Red Arrows as they seek to maintain their winning momentum.
Red Arrows were held to a draw by Mufulira Wanderers at Nkoloma Stadium in their latest outing.
