FC MUZA delivered a stunning 5-2 win over Nkana Football Club on Saturday in Mazabuka, ending the Kitwe giants’ target of qualifying for continental football next season.
The thrilling seven-goal encounter was a statement performance from the Mazabuka side, who not only secured their own safety from relegation but also dashed the dreams of Zambia’s 13-time champions.
With Power Dynamos crowned champions and Zesco United sealing CAF Confederation Cup qualification, Nkana’s loss means they’ll have to watch next season’s continental football from the sidelines.
Nkana had started brightly with Lazarous Kambole putting them ahead just three minutes into the match. But their early momentum took a hit when goalkeeper Patrick Chooma was sent off just five minutes later for fouling Andrew Phiri outside the box.
MUZA took full advantage of the numerical advantage. Andrew Phiri leveled the scores on the half-hour mark, only for Idris Mbombo to restore Nkana’s lead in the 38th minute. But that joy was short-lived, as Given Kalusa equalized for MUZA just three minutes later to send the teams level at halftime.
MUZA came out stronger in the second half, dominating the play and finding gaps in Nkana’s weakened defense. Substitute Rickson Ng’ambi was the game-changer, bagging a second-half brace, while Phiri added his second to seal the emphatic win.
“We Want To End On High” – Mujika.
Assistant coach Cosmas Mujika was full of praise for his team’s performance, calling it a reflection of Mazabuka’s reputation.
“Sweet victory. Our boys played with determination; we dominated play especially in the second half.”
“We told our substitution bench that everyone is part of this game. You have to read where our opponents are weak and where they’re strong so that when you come in, you change the game.”
With survival now guaranteed, FC MUZA will wrap up their campaign with the Musanza derby against Green Eagles in Choma.
“We just want to end on a high. At the beginning of the season, we started slow—we want to end on a high.”
The win also brought great relief to the club, which Mujika believes deserves to remain at the top level.
“I feel happy as a coach. Everyone is happy at the club because MUZA now is a big club, and it doesn’t deserve to go to the national league.”
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