Relegation bound Mines United dashed the hopes of Green Eagles in the 2026 ABSA Cup by defeating Tonka Twende by a goal to nil at Choma Independence Stadium on Saturday.
The Week 17 encounter was a mixture of fortune as Kabwe based Mines United are pushing to avoid relegation in their maiden appearance in the Zambian Premier super League.
On the other hand, the home side coached by Perry Mutapa, were aiming for a victory to secure a slot in the ABSA Cup competition.
Both coaches reacted to the result with a description of their own.
Mines United head coach Charles Kafula described the victory as difficult and a hard fought win.
“It’s difficult to collect maximum points here, but I told the boys to convert every single chance. We did that today (Saturday)” he said.
Patrick Simwinga made the difference with decisive goal in the 12th minute to give Mines United, maximum points.
Simwinga is on loan from Red Arrows, and he is making a huge impact, two weeks after joining the side.
Perry Mutapa was left disappointed and attributed the home defeat to underation of Mines United, by his players.
“We started well but most guys didn’t show up. We warned them not to underrate Mines United, but we didn’t convert our chances.”
Mutapa had his own concerns about some decisions by the match official.
“It was disappointing, but that’s no excuse for losing. We won’t dwell on it,” said Mutapa.
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