Defending champions ZESCO Ndola Girls have moved to the summit of the Northern Zone table in the ZPL Women’s Super Division after securing a 3-1 victory over Amazing Grace at Broken Hill Sports Centre in Kabwe on Sunday.
Goals from Eneless Phiri, Penelope Mulubwa and Edith Phiri ensured ZESCO Ndola Girls collected maximum points in an encounter that tested their ability to adapt to difficult playing conditions.
The hosts briefly threatened to derail the champions’ progress when Grace Nankamba converted a penalty in the 23rd minute to level the scores at 1-1.
However, ZESCO Ndola Girls maintained their composure and went on to secure all three points, strengthening their position in the race for the Northern Zone title.
ZESCO Ndola Girls FC lead the table with 9 points, while Indeni Roses with 7 points followed by Trident Queens and Kansanshi Queens following on six points.
Mwila reacts to Zesco win
Speaking after the match, head coach Florence Mwila praised her players for their fighting spirit and ability to manage the game despite the poor state of the pitch.
“We know that Amazing Grace are a stubborn team. We thank God for the victory, and well done to the girls for putting up a good fight,” Mwila said.
“Regardless of the surface not being so good, they were able to manage the game. I think we could have done more and scored more goals, but three points are very important.”
Mwila also explained that the changes made to the starting line-up were tactical, emphasizing the importance of utilising the depth of her squad throughout the campaign.
“We have a lot of players that we need to use, so it is not automatic that we keep the same players. We make changes here and there when it is a tactical change,” she said.
Attention now turns to their next assignment against FC Leopards Queens, with Mwila expecting another difficult encounter despite the opponents’ absence from the top-flight league in recent seasons.
“We expect a tough game because I think they are a good side as well, looking at the games they have played and the results they have gotten,” Mwila said.
“All the opponents want to beat ZESCO, so we can’t relax.”
