By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Nkana head coach Elijah Tana has expressed concern over his side’s failure to convert more scoring opportunities despite extending their perfect start to the MTN Transitional League with a 2-0 victory over Nchanga Rangers.
First-half goals from Lazarus Kambole in the 39th minute and Patrick Gondwe five minutes later secured Nkana’s third consecutive victory, taking the Kitwe giants to nine points at the top of Group A.
However, despite the comfortable scoreline, Tana felt his side could have been more clinical in front of goal after creating several opportunities to increase their advantage.
“We had a lot of chances. You saw it, so our plans have worked,” Tana said.
While satisfied that his players executed the game plan effectively, the Nkana coach will be keen to see greater ruthlessness in the final third as the campaign progresses.
The victory also delivered another clean sheet at home, underlining Nkana’s solid start to the transitional competition. Nevertheless, Tana warned his players against becoming complacent, insisting that maintaining their intensity would be crucial in the weeks ahead.
“I’m happy with the result, but I always say we won’t relax. We’ll be pushing until the end of the league,” he said.
Nkana must now turn their attention to an away fixture against Konkola Blades in Chililabombwe as they seek to extend their winning run.
With matches coming thick and fast, managing player fatigue will be an important consideration for the technical bench. Tana said the club’s medical team would help develop a recovery plan to ensure the squad is ready for the next assignment.
“We do have our medical team. They will give us a plan, and fatigue is the one which kills the players, so we’ll plan it well,” he said.
Konkola Blades head into the encounter following a 2-1 defeat to Kansanshi Dynamos, presenting Nkana with another opportunity to consolidate their position at the summit of Group A.
Tana has also urged Nkana supporters to continue turning out in numbers to rally behind the team, promising that the players would remain focused throughout the campaign.
“They should come in numbers to see Nkana perform. We will not relax until the end of the league,” he said.
With nine points from three matches, Nkana have made an encouraging start to their campaign. However, Tana will want his side to turn their attacking opportunities into more goals as they look to maintain their momentum in the promotion race.
