Rampant Zanaco sent a message that they are up for the championship title to the rest of the teams after they shot to the top of the 2019 FAZ MTN Super League (Stream A) with a resounding 4 – 1 win over Red Arrows in their opening game of the transitional season at Sunset Stadium in a game played on Sunday afternoon.
Arrows looked unchanged from last season with only the returning Lubinda Mundia being the notable addition to the team as they lined up in a 4 2 3 1 formation. Zanaco on the other hand have brought in Pangi Disengomoka and Kevin Owusu at left back and central defense respectively and they lined up in a 4 4 2 formation.
Both teams started the match on a low key, passing the ball around the the pitch. In the 20th minute, Tafadzwa Rusike came close to scoring for the Bankers with a well taken shot outside the area but his effort hit the woodwork.
11 minutes later, Chitiya Mususu who put in a man of the match performance drove past a defender down the left flank into the area and squared the ball to unmarked Rusike who had nothing but to put the ball behind the net to give Zanaco a 1-0 lead.
But Arrows responded to Rusike’s goal in style when the ball was layed to Francis Simwanza who hits it with power such that it left goal minder Toaster Nsabata planted to the ground.
Just right at the end of first half, impressive Chitiya Mususu made a run into the 18 area and unleashed the ball but Arrows defender looked to have blocked it with his hand and it was a penalty, Rusike converted the spot kick to complete his brace and put Zanaco ahead again.
In the second half Zanaco grew in confidence, the Bankers had several chances to put the game to bed but failed to score. Sooner rather than later, Rodger Kola scored after a good run by Koko Master Julius Situmbeko.
in the 90th minute, Ernest Mbewe concluded matters with a goal from close range into an empty net to the celebration of Zanaco fans.
It was dominant display by the Bankers and they could have scored more against a side that looked shaky in defense and seemed to lack an ‘árrow-head’ in attack.The win takes Zanaco to the summit of Stream ahead of Mufulira Wanderers on goals scored.
Zanaco XI
Toaster Nsabata – Taonga Bwembya (C), Pangi Disengomoka, Kevin Owusu, Peter Banda, Kelvin Kapumbu, Ernest Mbewe, Tafdadzwa Rusike (Boyd Musonda), Rogers Kola, Chitiya Mususu, Julius Situmbeko (Giuly Manziba)
Red Arrows XI
Kenny Mumba – Jimmy Chisenga, Joseph Zimba, Charles Siyingwa, Webster Mulenga, George Simbayabaya, Bruce Musakanya, Justine Zulu (Saddam Yusuf Phiri), Josphat Kasusu (Andrew Tololwa), Lubinda Mundia, Francis Simwanza
That the ZANACO I know