Numba Mumamba blamed missed chances for Zanaco’s 3-1 home defeat against Nkwazi on Saturday, a result that leaves the Sensational side, facing the real threat of relegation to the second tier with just five games remaining.
This latest loss in the Lusaka derby comes on the back of another derby defeat to NAPSA Stars (1-0) in their previous fixture.
Now just a point above the relegation zone, Zanaco’s fight for survival is becoming increasingly difficult.
However, head coach Mumamba insisted his team stuck to the game plan despite the defeat at Sunset Stadium in their 29th MTN Super League fixture.
“All we need is to get down to work. This is a game that we should have won easily if you look at the chances we created. Nkwazi had only three opportunities—they capitalized on them and got the three points,” Mumamba said.
Mumamba Aims To Recover At Nkana.
“Of course, they did very well, but in terms of defending, I think we did not do well. We have to work on those grey areas we’ve noticed, especially when transitioning from attack to defense ,” he admitted.
Goals from Richard Ocran, who converted a 43rd-minute penalty, Christopher Zulu in the 53rd minute, and an unfortunate own goal by Dalitso Phiri in the 90th minute secured all three points for the police-sponsored side. Wilson Chisala’s 67th-minute strike was merely a consolation, as Zanaco failed to mount a comeback.
Mumamba believes the first goal swung the match in Nkwazi’s favor.
“We started very well, but unfortunately, after conceding the first goal, Nkwazi came into the game, and they managed to get the second goal.”
Despite a difficult season, Mumamba remains optimistic about their next fixture against Nkana in Kitwe.
“I think Nkana is beatable even at their home ground. We have lost at home, and I think we can do the same when we go to Kitwe”.
