Nkana Football Club, clinched back-to-back league victories for the first time this season with a 3-1 comeback win against defending champions, Red Arrows at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
This result comes as a welcome relief to Nkana fans, who, under immediate past coach, Ian Bakala, have endured a challenging start to the season.
Mwenya Chipepo, who took over as head coach last week after leaving Forest Rangers, seemed to be the change Nkana needs.
“I am very happy because Nkana this season we never won at home,” Chipepo said. “And I am thanking my players because in a short period of time they have improved in terms of fitness.”
The former Forest Rangers coach, Chipepo marked his debut with an impressive 3-1 win away to Mufulira Wanderers and followed up with a triumphant home performance against Red Arrows, reigniting the hope of the Nkana faithful.
“Players must love each other, they must be united—all the players and everyone,” he said.
The game against Red Arrows began on a high note, with the visitors taking an early lead in the 11th minute through Ackim Mumba.
However, Nkana responded just 11 minutes later, with unlikely scorer, Chinga Chitoshi firing in an equalizer, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
“ABSA Cup qualification our target” – Chipepo.
The turning point came in the 26th minute when Red Arrows’ Michael Malonga put the ball into his own net, giving Nkana a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
Harrison Chisala sealed the victory in the 74th minute, ensuring Chipepo’s first home game ended in celebration.
Following his impressive start at Nkana Stadium, Chipepo has set his sights on achieving a top-six finish by the end of the first round to qualify for the ABSA Cup.
“We want to play ABSA first round, then second round we know what to do,” he noted.
The win lifts Nkana, the 13-time champions of Zambian football, to 10th place on the log with 13 points, a step up from their earlier struggles this season.
