Zesco United interim head coach Emmanuel Siwale admitted that his side failed to collect maximum points because they didn’t play according to plan.

The Ndola-based side and Nkwazi played out to a 2-2 stalemate at the Edwin Imboela Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a Week 19 fixture. They put up a strong fight to come from behind and settle for a draw. 

Innocent Kashita gave the home team the lead in the 14th minute, and Kenneth Kasanga extended it in the 40th minute.

Peter Musukuma scored for Zesco in the 51st minute, before Freddy Michael levelled things up in the 59th.

In their previous eight matches, Zega Mambo had seven draws and one win. The draw dropped them to third place with 33 points from 19 games played.

Zesco United interim head coach Emmanuel Siwale told journalists after the game that he was impressed with the boy’s second-half performance.

“I’m happy with the second half and the way the boys fought. But we did not play well in the first half. It’s just the application; the boys did not just up their game or play according to the way we planned and it took time for them to now change gear,” he said. 

“The journey is still there so we just have to continue working hard. If we can supplement on the second half performance, then we will still be pushing for a first slot.”

Siwale also mentioned that the team’s inability to capitalize on chances is something that needs to be improved.

“We are always creating, but just putting the ball in the net is a problem,” added Siwale. 

Meanwhile, Zesco United will shift their attention to the next home fixture as they prepare to host Nkana next weekend.