It was a game of two halves, as Nkwazi and Green Eagles FC had to settle for a draw in a Week seven league fixture at Edwin Imboela Stadium on Saturday.
”I should say again two points lost because I thought even in the first half we had a lot of ball possession because most of the time I think we tried to play in our own half,” Mutapa highlighted.
Nkwazi’s winless streak continues following an entertaining 1-1 draw against the Choma-based outfit Green Eagles FC.
Eagles had a chance to finish in the top three with a victory but had to settle for a second consecutive draw.
Keegan Phiri’s men looked like a side eager to collect their first three points of the campaign. They eventually got their reward as the Eagles had to suffer the consequences of chaotic defending.
Wezzy Kumwenda pounced on the error and scored the opening goal of the game with a headed effort in the 27th minute.
It was a much improved performance from Nkwazi, but they couldn’t quite hold on to their lead as Eagles responded in the second stanza.
Nkwazi Coach Unhappy With Result.
Perry Mutapa’s team played with greater vigor in the second half, and their persistent threats on goal paid off when Crawford Mwaba handled the ball in the box to earn them a penalty kick.
Collins Sikombe stepped up and scored the resulting penalty.
Both teams showed a lot of intent but had to settle for a draw.
Mutapa felt like his side did not utilize the chances they had; the Eagles gaffer credited his troops for mounting pressure but strongly believed a victory was up for grabs for the men from Choma.
“I believe we could have won the game, but it was not meant to be; disappointed in collecting just one point.”
He further added, “The moment we scored the goal there was still time, so we expected to push more to collect maximum points because I think we weren’t at our very best, but with the balance of play we could have won the match.”
A victory for the Eagles would have placed them in the top three, while a draw sees them settle in 7th position, while Nkwazi FC are currently 15th.
Nkwazi’s head coach expressed delight in his side’s performance but was unhappy with their inability to convert their chances.
When asked about the relegation battle, Phiri said, “It’s not an ideal situation; it’s something we are working towards improving, and our players are reacting to it.”
