At the REIZ Arena Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday, FC MUZA threw away a 20th-minute lead to settle for a 1-1 draw with the hosts, NAPSA Stars.
The tie came after MUZA’s home ground in Mazabuka ended in a nil-all draw with Zesco United in the middle of the week.
However, after losing to Power Dynamos 3-1 on the road, NAPSA was relieved to draw.
Despite the missed opportunity for three points, Elegant Dyanmites, head coach Lameck Banda expressed satisfaction with the away result.
“Not so bad. A point away is always good, but we wanted three points. Unfortunately, it didn’t come,” Banda said.
The draw propelled MUZA into the top eight with 21 points, a position that, based on last season’s criteria, could secure ABSA Cup qualification.
With three games remaining in the first half of the season, Banda remains optimistic about their chances.
“Chances are still there. We work around the clock to make sure going into the last three games, we pick the points and finish in the ABSA Cup,” he stated.
MUZA appeared on track for a win after Steven Changala’s 20th-minute goal, but an 88th-minute equalizer from Evans Kanyomho denied them victory.
Despite the late setback, Banda praised his team’s effort.
“It was unfortunate that we conceded. Otherwise, the boys did a very commendable job,” Banda concluded.
With the ABSA Cup in sight, FC MUZA will need to capitalize on their remaining fixtures to secure a top-eight finish.