Dabid Chilufya extended his unbeaten streak as interim coach of Zanaco FC with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Green Eagles on Sunday. The match played at Choma’s Independence Stadium saw the Bankers come from behind three times, with Lambert Araina scoring a hat-trick to secure a vital point.
Chilufya, who took over from Wedson Nyirenda last month, remains undefeated in his three matches in charge, with two draws on the road and a home victory over Nkana.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about pulling the team out of relegation as he expressed satisfaction with the result.
“As long as we are not losing, it’s better for the team. I am very happy because we have gotten one point but there were some players that were not themselves today, which I believe we can work on as we play Nchanga Rangers to make sure we maximize on points and move out of relegation.”
Zanaco now sits two points from safety with 14 points from 14 matches. Chilufya is determined to finish the first half of the season strong, aiming for maximum points from the remaining three games.
“I have just targeted the four games before the end of the first round and I believe that in these four games I must not lose any game, the worst being a draw. I’m looking forward to getting three wins in the next three games,” Chilufya added.
Chance for ABSA Cup qualification slim for Zanaco
Currently seven points adrift of the top eight, Zanaco’s path to an ABSA Cup slot remains uncertain. While winning their next three matches could push their tally to 23 points, Chilufya is cautious in raising fans’ expectations.
“I can’t promise. Football is dynamic—you find that people in front keep on losing and you win 9 points and you put yourself there and you find that you are in ABSA, but I cannot promise,” he said.
Zanaco’s next challenge will be Nchanga Rangers next weekend.
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