Nkana have moved back into the top four following a controversial hard fought 1-0 win over Kabwe Warriors.
Nkana came into the match looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat away in Lusaka against Red Arrows.
Kabwe Warriors on the other hand were looking for only their third win against Nkana since 2008.
The match started slow with both teams being cagey and not looking to give anything away. Alex ‘Bazo’ Ng’onga looked lively from the onset with Cephas Mulombwa for Warriors also troubling Nkana defenders.
At the half hour mark, Mulombwa beat a several Nkana players to create space for himself at the edge of the box but his effort was weak and easily dealt with by Malunga. The match went to the break level at 0-0.
In the second half Nkana came back looking to a bit sharp.
THE PENALTY
Nkana were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute after Scot Ngokene was judged to have brought down Alex ‘Bazo’ Ng’onga in the box.
Referee Shem Nyondo pointed to the spot but a replay showed that there was no contact but without a second look at the end with his poor positioning, the referee stuck by his decision.
Ng’onga stepped up and sent Ngokene the wrong way putting the hosts in the lead with his ninth goal of the season.
Ng’onga had another chance to double the lead but his effort was straight at Aime Ngokene who pallied the ball back into action.
Kabwe Warriors had a penalty claim of their own after Kondwani Chiboni cleared Akakulubelwa Mwachiaba’s effort with his chest which was waved off by Nyondo.
Derrick Mukombozi had a chance to get on the score sheet when he was found unmarked inside the 18 yard area by a Jacob Ngulube freekick but he sent his free header over the bar.
Patrick Gondwe had a great run in the dying minutes but he had little support and could not make anything out of it, 1-0 the match ended.
The win takes Nkana to fourth place on the log with 33 points from 21 games while Kabwe Warriors are stuck in 13th place with 25 points.
Kabwe Warriors defender Marcel Kalonda was named man of the match
MTN SUPER LEAGUE WEEK 21
FULL-TIME: Nkana 1-0 Kabwe Warriors
(Alex N’gonga 67’ (P) )
