Newly appointed Chipolopolo Boys Aljosa Asanovic will be at Lusaka’s Nkoloma Stadium on Saturday.
Asanovic will be in Chelston area to watch a top four clash between Zambian Super League leaders Red Arrows [36 points] and fourth placed Nkana [30 points]
The Stadium is expected to fill to capacity in one of the games of the seasons.
Playing style
While Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi is known for attacking football, the 61 year old has relied more on the counter attacks.
Red Arrows play the best football in the league and have been doing this for the 2 seasons.
Behind that breath taking brand of football is Chisi Mbewe.
Arrows have become known for recycling and circulating the ball [European football], as they keep possession.
The Airmen are also deadly on the break as witnessed against Zesco United, a fortnight ago.
Formations
Known for 4-3-3, Chambeshi has adapted his formation to 3-5-2 which suits his players and has given the Kitwe giants the compact which most Chambeshi’s team lack.
Arrows play with a 4-3-3 but one of the wingers is usually a striker who tucks in and sometimes it looks like diamond.
It will be interesting how Chisi and Osward Mutapa will counter react to Nkana’s right wing back.
Key battle
Tresor ‘The Businessman’ Tshibwabwa v Alex ‘Bazo’ Ng’onga – Tshibwabwa has been arguably the best defender in league in the past 18 months and against ‘Bazo’ he will be coming up against an aggressive, powerful and no-sense striker.
Tshibwabwa is a ball playing center back, who occasionally loves a tackle. Comfortable and calm on the ball, look out for his traditional drives forward.
Players to Watch
Jacob Ngulube [Nkana] – The diminutive midfielder has been devasting form since he rejoined Kalampa from Napsa Stars.
He has an eye for pass and chips in with goals
Ricky Banda [Red Arrows] – while all eyes will be on the veteran striker James Chamanga, keep an eye of the former Jumulo and Indeni striker.
He is Zambia’s symbol of present and future. The 21 year old is a workaholic and has never say altitude. He has already banged in 7 goals in the lead.
He is not yet a finished article but all his potential leads to Chipolopolo.
Head to Head
One of Red Arrrow’s Super League bogey teams is Nkana whom they have only beaten once in the last 11 meetings.
Nkana is yet to taste defeat in the last 10 appearances against Arrows with a record of 7 wins and 3 draws.
Impressive for Nkana
23/09/21 Nkana 1-0 Red Arrows
25/05/21 Red Arrows 1-2 Red Arrows
30/01/21 Nkana 2-1 Red Arrows
01/08/20 Red Arrows 2-2 Nkana
30/10/19 Nkana 3-0 Red Arrows
23/09/18 Red Arrows 1-1 Nkana
02/06/18 Nkana 3-0 Red Arrows
18/11/17 Red Arrows 1-2 Nkana
08/07/17 Nkana 1-0 Red Arrows
19/11/16 Nkana 1-1 Red Arrows
18/06/16 Red Arrows 1-0 Nkana
