Nkana coach Mwenya Chipepo has justified his team’s poor performance against Roan United and Kansanshi Dynamos in the ABSA Cup, where they needed the lottery of penalties to eliminate the lower league sides.
In the round of 16, Nkana came from behind to draw 1 – all against Roan, a team that plays in the third tier of Zambian football. They managed to avoid the upset by beating Roan 3–1 on post-match penalties to advance to the quarter-finals.
In the last eight, the Kitwe giants were outplayed by National Division One side Kansanshi, who are drilled by former Nkana player and coach Zeddy Saileti. Just like in the round of 16, Nkana needed the stretching hands of keeper Patrick Chooma to see off Kansanshi in post-match penalties.
Nkana’s performances against these two teams have drawn criticism from some fans and journalists but Chipepo has jumped to the defence of his side.
“There are no small teams these days,” Chipepo said in an interview. “Everyone is playing very well, especially when they face Nkana; they are preparing well.”
Saturday’s win over Kansanshi meant that Nkana had set up a date against record title holders Zesco United in the semi-final.
This will be the first time both teams are facing a fellow Super League side in the competition. Zesco beat Barts FC and Konkola Blades to reach this far.
Chipepo Warns of Tough Test Ahead in Zesco Semifinal Clash
Chipepo has warned that this will be a tough encounter.
“We will not play an easy game even against ZESCO; they are very experienced; they are second on the log so we just have to make sure that we prepare very well,” he said.
Zesco completed a double over Nkana in the league; thus, the Kitwe side will be hoping to avoid a third straight loss to the Ndola giants this season.
“There is still room for improvement; [the win against Kansanshi] has given us more energy and confidence [but] Zesco is not an easy opponent; we will prepare for them,” Chipepo said.
READ MORE: ABSA Cup Semifinals Set as Red Arrows Join Nkana, Zesco United, and Power Dynamos
