It was an electric start to the Kabwe derby as Kabwe Warriors made their intentions known from the onset hitting the woodwork with less than 3 minutes played against Prison Leopards at the Godfrey Utah Chitalu Stadium.
Their exploits up front would soon pay dividends as Timothy Sakala scored the opening goal. The home fans into a state of elation with a beautiful goal on the edge of the box.
The Zambia Railway side continued to push in search of another goal. Heading into the attack with every chance they got, but Prison Leopard’s defense stood firm to avoid conceding another.
The visitors’ attack had a few bright spots. However, they lacked the cutting edge to trouble the Warriors’ keeper, who had little to do.
The Prison Leopards went into the second half looking for an equalizer. Coach Kachinga making a double substitution, replacing Junior Zulu and Damiaani Mwanza with Isaac Ngoma and Zephaniah Phiri, respectively.
It was a perfect response as David Obashi leveled the score in the 50th minute. However, their lead was short-lived as Akakulubelwa Mwachiaba reestablished parity three minutes later, capping off a well-executed team goal to end the Kabwe Derby match 2-1.
Speaking to Bolanews after the game, the Leopards’ gaffer expressed his displeasure, stating the officials were biased during the match.
“The officiating really leaves a lot to be desired. Sometimes the officiating can be really pathetic; that’s why we get agitated; I have nothing kind to say.”
When asked what his message to the boys would be after the game, he stated, “We have to concentrate and work hard.”
Meanwhile, Warriors coach Numba Mumamba, said he was happy with the performance of his boys and hoped they will continue with the same fighting spirit.
“It was a good performance from the team. We accounted for ourselves very well, and we managed to get a victory that will motivate us as we go into our next game,” he said. “I think this is what we wanted because this game has pushed us out of the relegation zone. All we need to do now is keep pushing so that we move into the top 10 brackets after our next four games.”
Numba also believes his team still has a chance to win the Super League.
“I think our chances are 50-50; what is important now is to stabilize and try to move up the ladder.” “Our aim is to at least finish in a respectable position, but we still have an opportunity to even win the league, for now, we want to push our team and move out of the relegation zone further.”
Kabwe Warriors are now 14th in the standings with 23 points. One point above the relegation zone following their victory on Sunday, while Prison Leopards are 9th with 27 points.
