Since taking over on an interim basis, Emmanuel Siwale has guided Zesco United to one league defeat and has seen his charges top the league table with 20 points now.

In the Week Nine fixture, in a Ndola derby, Zesco United forced a 2-all draw away at Forest Rangers’ Dola Hill Stadium.

Abraham Siankombo scored twice for Zesco in either half but were cancelled out by Diego Apanane and Kulita Upita’s goals for Fole Malembe.

In a post-match interview, Siwale said it was disappointing his team failed to hold the lead twice.

He, however, noted that it was a touch match, praising his team for getting a point away from home.

“It’s a derby and Especially that we led twice; that is the part that I thought we should have maybe tried to hold on and collect maximum points, but football being what it is, you take whatever comes, but it’s good that we haven’t dropped all points.”

Siwale attributed the Forest Rangers’ comeback to a lack of concentration from his team after taking the lead on two occasions.

“I would say we lost concentration where you take a lead and forget that the game was not over. And that’s how we paid the price conceding the equalizing goal.”

He added, “We were away from home, but I would have loved to collect maximum points, but you know derbies are very difficult, and this one was not an exception.”

The next match for the Ndola side will be a week 10 clash against Zanaco Football Club at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.