Forest Rangers have secured their second title of the year following their 2023 ABSA Cup win over FC Muza.
Power Dynamos started the encounter like champions as they tossed around the ball in the middle of the park with a lot of flair. The attacking combinations of Kiloji Mwepu, Andy Boyeli, and Joshua Mutale caused problems for the Forest Rangers’ defense.
Aba Yellow’s attacking exploits eventually bore fruit when Boyeli tapped in the lead from a Joshua Mutale corner.
However, the Super League champions became too complacent. Forest Rangers’ much more direct style of play turned the tide in their favor.
At 24 minutes, Quadri Kola turned and twisted on the right wing to unleash a beautiful pass, which Moyela Libamba smashed into the net. The Ndola-based outfit went ahead in the 40th minute when Eric Chomba’s corner kick was met by Gerald Simusokwe’s head to fire past Mulenga.
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Forest Rangers doubled their lead just before halftime when Zambian international Lawrence Mulenga spilled Libamba’s shot into the path of Lazarus Chishimba. The Fore Malembe playmaker made the Power Dynamos shot-stopper pay for his error with an expertly dispatched strike.
Power Dynamos had a mountain to climb in the second half, for they needed to put up a performance that would erase the two-goal deficit. Aba Yellow introduced the quartet of Cephas Mulombwa, Salusani Phiri, Fredrick Mulambia, and John Soko after the break.
The Super League champions gained much control in the late stages of the game as Forest Rangers began to sit deeper. Power Dynamos’ most dangerous play came from former Fore Malembe star Cephas Mulombwa. The winger was not ready to surrender the Charity Shield to a side he guided to the final by winning the 2023 ABSA Cup.
However, the more the league holders attacked, the more likely it was for Forest Rangers to grab a fourth goal on the transition.
The 2023 ABSA Cup Champions eventually ran out 3-1 winners against the defending Super League champions.
Aba Yellow have a lot of work to do following their disappointing display against Forest Rangers. They will be Zambia’s sole representative in the 2023 CAF Champions League.
