Nkana FC and Power Dynamos played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in the much-anticipated Kitwe Derby at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday.
The match was tightly contested, with Idriss Mbombo making a solo run early in the 5th minute and whipping in a cross at the goalmouth. However, Willard Mwanza’s touch on the ball proved vital, helping his side win a goal kick.
At the other end, Power Dynamos had a good chance of their own when Chifundo Mphasi came close to scoring just nine minutes into the match, but he hit the side netting with a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box.
Both teams created a decent number of chances, but neither could break the deadlock as the first half ended 0-0.
Dramatic Second Half
In the second half, Oswald Mutapa, in search of a goal, withdrew league top scorer Titus Chansa—who appeared to be having an off day—for Brian Masanyinga right at the restart.
Sixty minutes in, Nkana’s goalkeeper, Patrick Chooma, made a poor clearance, passing the ball directly to Masanyinga, who then ballooned it over the bar, missing an open net.
However, Nkana quickly launched a counterattack. A miscommunicated back pass by Prince Mumba to Owen Tembo in the Power Dynamos half allowed Charles Zulu to steal the ball, beat Tembo, and whip in a cross that Jacob Ngulube head-dived into the net to give the Red Devils the lead.
Nkana grew in confidence and began to dominate possession, launching several attacks, but Power defended well this time around.
With less than ten minutes to play, Nkana shifted into defensive mode, while Power pushed for the equalizer and nearly got it in the 89th minute when Mumba’s shot struck the crossbar.
In added time, Mumba was brought down in the box, and referee Hillary Hambaba pointed to the spot—a decision that sparked protests from Nkana players, technical bench members, and fans. Still, the decision stood, and Power’s Masanyinga expertly converted the penalty, sending Chooma the wrong way to level the game at 1-1.
Chaos soon erupted following the equalizer, as suspected Nkana fans began throwing bottles onto the pitchside, while others vandalized stadium bucket seats—a regrettable incident that prompted arrests by Zambia Police. The Zambian Premier League has said it will issue a statement.
‘We Were Robbed’—Chipepo
Reacting after the match, Nkana’s head coach Mwenya Chipepo refused to concede defeat, saying his team was “robbed” of a deserving victory.
“We were robbed today, everyone saw what happened,” said an emotional Chipepo, who had to pause for a good 30 seconds before addressing the media.
He continued, “I will complain because if I keep quiet as a coach who worked hard during the week, and at the last minute someone comes to spoil the game, this is not good for Zambian football. If you work hard, you need to be compensated. That was not a penalty — we were robbed.”
For Power Dynamos’ coach Oswald Mutapa, his team had hoped to win, but coming from a goal down to equalize and earn a point was satisfying—especially since they are now just three points away from clinching the league title.
“It’s not the result we wanted,” he said. “We wanted to wrap up the league today which has failed but a point we will definitely get.”
Mutapa also boldly declared that his team will win the league regardless.
“We are definitely winning the league,” he declared.
Meanwhile, both coaches condemned the barbaric behavior of the fans who vandalized the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
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