Mutondo Stars’ survival hopes received a major boost after fighting back to secure a 2-2 draw against Power Dynamos at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe yesterday.
The result moved Mutondo to 32 points, level with Napsa Stars, who occupy the first safe position on the table.
For Power, the draw extended their winless run to three matches in all competitions.
Power made a bright start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Linos Makwaza Jr calmly slotted home from a Ronel Manyanga corner.
The hosts continued to dominate after the break, and Makwaza nearly doubled the advantage in the 55th minute, but his long-range effort sailed narrowly over the bar.
Substitute Frederick Mulambia then made it 2-0 two minutes later with a simple finish after being set up by Innocent Kashita.
Mutondo pulled one back in the 63rd minute when Langson Mbewe reacted quickest after goalkeeper Willard Mwanza spilt the ball from a shot.
In the 78th minute, referee Brian Lupando awarded Mutondo a penalty after defender Bwanali Mutambo was adjudged to have fouled Muhango inside the box.
However, Mwanza produced a fine save to deny Martin Chilufya from the spot, although the goalkeeper injured himself in the process and was replaced by Josphat Lilanda in the 80th minute.
Power’s defence switched off late in the game, allowing Mbewe to slip past his markers and score the equaliser from close range in the 86th minute.
Why draw was disappointing
Despite the draw, Mutondo Stars coach Ronald Mukosha described the result as disappointing.
“It was a very disappointing result for us because we wanted to win this game. We planned well for Power Dynamos, of which, if you saw in the first half, we tried to push but they unsettled us in the 6th minute where we conceded the first goal, that first goal unsettled us too much.”
On surviving relegation, Mukosha said survival is now very possible.
“It looks 90% possible because we have the last game against Napsa and we are playing Mines on Sunday so anything can happen.”
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