NAPSA Stars moved out of the relegation zone with a crucial 2-0 victory over ZANACO FC in Tuesday’s MTN Super League Week 32 encounter at Reiz Arena.
The match began cautiously, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in the opening stages. However, the contest swung dramatically in favour of the hosts just before half-time when referee Francis Sichali awarded NAPSA a penalty and sent off Wilson Chisala amid furious protests from the visitors.
Dickson Chapa calmly converted from the spot in the 45th minute to hand the Pensioners the lead.
Tempers flared as members of the ZANACO technical bench confronted the officials at the break, forcing security personnel to intervene as the referee walked off the pitch.
NAPSA returned for the second half with renewed intensity and doubled their advantage almost immediately. Austin Banda produced a moment of brilliance in the 47th minute, weaving through the ZANACO defence before finishing emphatically for 2-0.
ZANACO’s afternoon worsened just before the hour mark when Fredrick Mwimanzi received a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to nine men.
The result lifts NAPSA Stars to 14th place on 32 points as the battle to avoid relegation intensifies heading into the closing stages of the season.
MTN Super League Week 32 – Full Time
NAPSA Stars 2-0 ZANACO FC
(Dickson Chapa 45’ pen, Austin Banda 47’)
