Zesco United moved into third position on the MTN FAZ Super League standings as they came from behind in a second successive match to defeat already relegated Lusaka Tigers 2-1 in a rescheduled week 27 fixture played at Independence Stadium on Wednesday.
Last Wednesday, in their first match under Tenant Chembo following George Lwandamina’s resignation, they also came from a goal down to defeat Nchanga Rangers 3-1 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
In today’s match, they were without the Kenyan trio of Jesse Were, Anthony Akum and David Owino who had been called to the national team but they had Clatous Chama who returned after serving a one match suspension following his expulsion against Nkana almost a fortnight ago.
They also had in their starting line-up, on-loan striker Idris Mbombo whose parent club Kabwe Warriors had recalled him five days ago.
Lusaka Tigers were on the front foot from the first whistle and were rewarded early as Emmanuel Kabasa opened the scoring in the 5th minute when he blasted home after following up on a rebound from Frank Kiluba’s blocked effort.
Zesco United improved after that and defender Bernard Mapili had ventured forward to equalise after good combination play with Idriss Mbombo on 32 minutes.
Misheck Chaila gave the visitors the lead eight minutes later as he headed home from Kasashi Lupiya’s free kick.
Both sides made substitutions in the second half but there was no change to the score line and as a result Zesco United moved into third position with 57 points from 28 matches, supplanting Power Dynamos who have 56 points from 31 matches into fourth position.
Their attention will now turn to their next match which is away to Mufulira Wanderers on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Tigers remain rooted in 17th position with 25 points from 32 matches and are among the three sides whose relegation has been confirmed. The other two are Mufulira Blackpool and Nchanga Rangers. Nchanga Rangers have appealed their demotion which came by way of a Disciplinary Committee decision.
Lusaka Tigers host Kabwe Warriors on Saturday.
Fazfootball
