The Ian Bakala-coached Forest Rangers Football Club won the 2023 Carling Black Label Samuel Zoom Ndhlovu Charity Shield after defeating reigning Zambian champions, Power Dynamos 3-1 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.
They have won the Charity Shield for the first time, following their maiden ABSA Cup victory last season.
Despite Andy Boyeli’s 14th-minute goal for Power Dynamos, Rangers came from behind to score three goals through Libamba Moyela, Gerald Simusokwe, and Lazarous Chishimba.
However, reacting to the result in a post-match interview, Dynamos coach Mwenya Chipepo, said the team has picked lessons from the defeat despite fans having the upper hand in starting eleven selection.
“We have learned something; soccer fans had their own opinion; they wanted to see other players; it’s up to us to go back and regroup and concentrate on the coming game,” he said.
“We are going to make sure we consolidate the midfield and the defense; that’s where we made a lot of mistakes, especially in defense.”
The 2023 Charity Shield saw fans vote for the players they wanted in the starting lineup for both teams.
Ian Bakala fires warning shots
On the other hand, Forest Rangers head coach Ian Bakala was happy with the win and fired warning shots at Super League clubs ahead of the new season.
“It’s a good thing, and I’m happy it’s the first time we have won it. All the clubs are aware that it’s always tough to meet us. Going forward, we are going to fight for the Championship,” charged Bakala.
“I warned the players in the dressing room, and thanks to them, they came back. We will work on allowing the early goals.”
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Forest Rangers will host Kabwe Warriors when the Super League resumes next weekend, while Power Dynamos will visit Prison Leopards.
