Holders Zanaco stumbled to a 2-1 defeat as FAZ Division One League side Young Green Buffaloes caused an upset in the Barclays Cup 2018 first quarter final match played at the Arthur Davies Stadium on Saturday.
Young Buffaloes striker Michael Musonda scored a brace for Josephat Mulenga’s side, scoring his first goal on 23 minutes and his second on 80 minutes, while it was Tafadwa Rusike who had pulled a goal back for Mumamba Numba’s men, four minutes before the break.
Having struggled in the league this season, and the Barclays Cup as their only hope of winning any silverware, the 2017 champions fielded a strong side as they only made a single change from the side which drew 2-2 at home to Red Arrows in the league in midweek, with Mpiana Kitumbo replacing Peter Banda who was not even named among the substitutes.
Despite having their regulars available and making second half changes, introducing Chitiya Mususu, Rodger Kola and Felix Nyaende replacing Maisha Chavda, Guily Maniba and Martin Phiri respectively, Zanaco failed to prevent their less fancied opponents from taking the spotlight and a place in the semi-finals, where they will meet the winner of the third semi-final between Green Eagles and Green Buffaloes.
Young Buffaloes midfielder Abeauty Simazuwo was named the man-of-the match, walking away with K5000.00 in addition to a hospital cash plan which will cover his six immediate and four extended family members courtesy of Barclays Life.
Zanaco: Toaster Nsabata, Jimmy Nakena, Mpiana Kitumbo, Taonga Bwembya, George Chilufya, Boyd Musonda, Ernest Mbewe, Tafadzwa Rusike, Maisha Chavda (Chitiya Mususu 52’), Martin Phiri (Felix Nyaende 75’), Guily Maniba (Rodger Kola 67’).
Substitutes: Racha Kola, Andrew Kwiliko, Rodgers Kola, Felix Nyaende, Chitiya Mususu, Timothy Sakala, Christone Jere.
Coach: Mumamba Numba
Young GBFC: Jonathan Mfula, Silas Sinyangwe, Chileshe Kabe, Lighton Kasolota, Chibesa Kaunda, Abeauty Simazuwo, Everisto Musungu (Nebert Musamba 50’), David Mwaba (Raphael Chanda 90’), Michael Musonda, Emmanuel Mwinde, Sam Mbewe Chalwe (Allan Chirwa 63’).
Substitutes: Joseph Banda, Geofrey Chifunda, Raphael Chanda, Kalunga Mwape, Nebert Musamba, Paul Chibambo, Allan Chirwa.
Coach: Josephat Mulenga
