Cart is empty …as Power Dynamos claim bragging rights in Kitwe derby
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
FORMER President Edgar Lungu yesterday sent soccer fans and enthusiasts into a frenzy when he made an announced appearance at Woodlands Stadium to watch the electric derby between Nkana and Power Dynamos, the two rival giants of Zambian football.
Despite having walked in silently 20 minutes into the first stanza, the former President, who is considered to be a number one Nkana fan was able to attract some attention from the fans who chanted his name as he moved to the VIP section of Woodlands Stadium.
The former President, who was reportedly denied entry into the stadium on allegations that the state did not approve of his presence at the stadium could however not inspire Nkana to grind a win as Power claimed the bragging rights with a 2-0 win in the derby which was watched by Chipolopolo gaffer Avram Grant who was part of the over 10, 000 fans who had filled the stadium to capacity.
Two second half goals from Andy Boyeli and Godfrey Ngwenya secured the win for Power to maintain their dominance over their rivals who they defeated home and away last season.
After dominating the derby in the first half, things did fall apart for Nkana as Boyeli broke the deadlock in the 48th minute beating Mangani Banda with a sublime header from Fostin Bakodila’s free kick.
Five minutes later, Ngwenya scored in similar fashion beating Banda with another header after benefitting from Joshua Mutale’s free kick.
Nkana tried to get back into the game and created some scoring opportunities but were unlucky as they could not beat Chipolopolo goal keeper Lawrence Mulenga who was solid between the sticks for “Aba Yellow.”
Nkana did pull one goal back through Substitute Falon Manongo in the last minute of regulation time. However, the goal was ruled out as the young striker was deemed to have been in an offside position before he slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Power were able to hold on to pick a win which propelled them to sixth on the Super League table with 20 points, two points behind the top three teams consisting of Red Arrows, Zesco United and High Flying Nkwazi FC.
Meanwhile, “Mighty” Mufulira Wanderers bounced back to winning ways by humiliating 10-man Napsa Stars 2-1 at Shinde Stadium in Mufulira.
Two first half goals from Patson Kwataine and Tressor Illunga and a goal in the dying minutes of the second half secured the win for “Mighty” who moved to seventh on the table with 19 points.
Napsa Stars who scored the consolation goal through Simon Nkata were forced to finish the game without their captain Luka Banda who was given a red card in the dying minutes of the match.
At Nkana Stadium in Kitwe, Lubinda Mundia’s second half equaliser denied Trident FC a chance to pick their first win after Lassa Kiara had scored a penalty in the 11th minute as Trident and Prison Leopards shared points.