Following their 1-0 victory over visiting Kansanshi Dynamos, Zambia’s record league winners, Nkana football Club secured topflight football for next season.
The 13-time Champions, who spent half of the season fighting relegation battles, went into the Week 32 fixture knowing that all they needed to do was win or not drop points to secure top-flight football next season.
In the 83rd minute, Eric Yema, a former player for the Kansanshi Dynamos, gave the hosts the crucial goal that moved the Kitwe giants up to eighth place on the log with 42 points.
With two games left, Mabanga Boys have plummeted to 17th place, deep into the relegation zone as a result of the outcome.
In a post-match interview, Kansanshi Dynamos head coach Donewell Yobe lamented the missed opportunity, acknowledging Nkana’s clinical finish.
“We had control but failed to capitalize. Nkana seized their chance, and we paid the price,” he bemoaned.
Yobe will now shift focus to his side’s next game against FC MUZA at home. The match is anticipated to be a tough encounter as the Choma-based side is chasing their second continental outing.
The competition for the second-place finish to guarantee CAF Confederation Cup qualification has gotten heated as FC MUZA were held to a goalless draw by the visiting Green Buffaloes today.
FC MUZA is eyeing the CAF slot amidst stiff competition from ZESCO United and Power Dynamos.
Saturday ZSL Week 32
Red Arrows 1-0 Zanaco FC
Zesco United 0-0 Forest Rangers
Trident FC 0-0 Power Dynamos
Mufulira Wanderers 1-0 Konkola Blades
Prison Leopards 2-0 Green Eagles
Napsa Stars 1-2 Nkwazi FC
Mutondo Stars 1-1 Kabwe Warriors
Sunday ZSL Week 32
Nkana 1-0 Kansanshi Dynamos
