Brave Nchanga Rangers suffered a fifth consecutive defeat on Thursday, going down 1-0 to FC Leopards in a Week 29 fixture, a result that leaves their continental ambitions hanging in the balance.
Nchanga Rangers have dropped 15 points in their last five matches and currently trail second-placed Red Arrows by 11 points, with only the league champions and runners-up guaranteed qualification to CAF competitions.
But, Rangers FC first assistant coach Israel Mwanza has maintained belief in his team’s chances of qualifying for CAF interclub competition despite a worrying run of results in the MTN Super League.
Speaking after the match, Mwanza admitted the latest defeat was difficult to take but pointed to missed chances as the key factor behind the team’s struggles.
“This is a painful defeat. We’re coming from another loss. I think it’s very, very painful,” Mwanza said. “We created a lot of chances but we failed to convert the chances which we have. It’s just unfortunate.”
Mwanza dismissed suggestions that the problem lies solely with the strikers, instead attributing the struggles to the entire team.
“It’s not the strikers, it’s not the defenders. It’s the whole team which is not doing the right thing,” he said.
Attention now shifts to the ABSA Cup quarterfinals, where Nchanga Rangers face Power Dynamos, looking to bounce back and restore confidence within the squad.
“Yeah, for sure. We have to go there and motivate the boys. This game is going under the bridge. We’re waiting for the next game which is the cup game,” Mwanza added.
Despite the poor run of form, Mwanza insists the team has not given up on its continental ambitions.
“Yes, what I can say, the league is still on. We have to fight and see what we can do,” he said.
