Chirundu United continued their giant-killing run in the ABSA Cup, edging former champions Zanaco 1-0 to book a historic place in the semi-finals as the first national division one side to reach that stage.
Having eliminated Kabwe Warriors in the quarterfinals, Chirundu produced another headliner, dumping the Bankers out of the lucrative cup.
Darius Phiri’s 23rd-minute strike, a strong contender for goal of the tournament, proved decisive, as the Border Boys held on to stun Zanaco 1-0 and end the champions’ hopes of silverware this season.
“We have lost this game because we did not convert the chances that we created, “Zanaco coach, Mumamba Numba said, “if you look at the chances we created, they were just too much to come out without a goal,“
Numba threw a dig at Chirundu saying they were no better than Kafue Celtic, a side that Zanaco beat 2-1 in pre-quarter-finals.
“We have lost to a team that is not better than Kafue Celtic, who we played in the pre-quarterfinal were an excellent team not this one [Chirundu],” Numba said.
A visibly disappointed Numba was short of calling out his players for underrating Chirundu.
“I said before the game that we have to win the game on the pitch,” he said.
Meanwhile Chirundu coach Carston Chilekwa said his side deserved the win.
“The win is not by the way, it is through hard work. If we continue doing what we did today then we can go all the way,” Chilekwa said.
