Sun, 29 Oct 2017 11:25:35 +0000
By Grace Chaile Lesoetsa
A 107th minute goal from veteran midfielder Isaac Chansa confirmed Zanaco as the 2017 Barclays Cup Champions after beating Napsa Stars 2-1 in a thrilling final at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka yesterday.
Zanaco was crowned champions and presented with a K350, 000 cheque by President Edgar Lungu.
Runners up Napsa got K180, 000 while the player of the tournament Felix Nyaende and coach of the tournament Mumamba Numba pocketed K15, 000 each.
This was Zanaco’s maiden title since the tournament’s inception 11 years ago.
Zanaco came close to winning the title in 2010 and 2016, but lost 1-0 and 2-0 in both finals to Zesco United.
The match kicked off on a fast note with both teams playing a counter attack game.
Zanaco could have taken lead in the 13th minute but Taonga Bwembya’s direct free kick from near the 18-yard area went off target.
Heriter Nkonko missed another golden opportunity to put the bankers ahead from inside the box when he shot over the bar after being set-up by hard-working Augustine Mulenga.
Nyaende failed to convert two clear scoring chances before the woodwork saved Zanaco from a Youremember Banda’s thunderbolt shot on 25th minute.
Zanaco were sent into a scare in 45th minute when Chitoshi Mukuma’s close range shot hit the side net.
Napsa returned rejuvenated and broke the deadlock in 46th minute when Banda headed in a Mukuma soft pass from the left flunk.
Zanaco levelled scores in the 83rd minute through a penalty after diminutive Charles Zulu who came in for Nkonko was brought down by Derrick Mwansa. Nyaende put Zanaco back in contention with a well-taken spot kick.
With both teams failing to score the winning goal in remaining seven minutes, the game was sent into extra time which saw Napsa wasting clear-cut chances in first 15 minutes. Napsa’s dream of a second Barclays title was shattered in the 107th minute when Chansa headed in a Charles Zulu crossed from the left wing.
Numba commended his lads for putting up a resilient fight against a strong Naps side.
“I am happy that finally we have managed to win this title. Napsa gave us a good run for the money,” he said.
Meanwhile, Barclays Bank Zambia managing director Mizinga Melu described the tournament as a success.
