Red Arrows FC head coach Chisi Mbewe remains confident his side can still challenge for the MTN Super League title despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Konkola Blades FC in a Week 30 fixture at Nkoloma Stadium on Wednesday.
The result sees the Airmen move to 55 points, now trailing league leaders Power Dynamos FC by 12 points after the defending champions secured a 2-0 victory over Zanaco FC at Arthur Davies Stadium to climb to 67 points.
Speaking after the match, Mbewe described the outcome as disappointing, admitting his side failed to execute their game plan, particularly in the opening half.
“I think it’s a disappointing result. This is not what we had planned for. We did not start very well, and in the first half we were a bit low, allowing Konkola Blades too much space,” Mbewe said.
He acknowledged that his team’s early struggles contributed to the goal they conceded, pointing to avoidable mistakes.
“Even the goal came from our own mistakes. But after the break, we spoke and reminded ourselves how important the game was. We became a different team and managed to fight back and equalise,” he added.
“We were fatigued” – Mbewe.
The draw has widened the gap at the top, but Mbewe insists the title race is not over, urging his players to remain focused in the final stretch of the season.
“Football can be tricky. The most important thing is that we don’t give up. We have made our job difficult by dropping points, but we just need to remain focused and continue maximising points,” he said.
With five matches remaining, the Red Arrows coach stressed the need for consistency, warning that the final stretch will be challenging.
“We don’t need to drop points in these remaining games. They will be tricky, especially against teams fighting relegation like our next opponents. But we must ensure we collect maximum points,” he said.
Mbewe also cited fatigue as a factor affecting his team’s performance, following a demanding schedule that included a trip to Ndola for the Absa Cup semifinal against Chirundu United.
“In the first half, we looked a bit fatigued. We had just come from Ndola, where the intensity was high, and with the travelling and short turnaround, it had an effect on our game,” he explained.
Red Arrows will look to bounce back quickly as they travel to Kitwe to face Mutondo Stars at Arthur Davis stadium on Saturday, to keep their fading title hopes alive.
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