By MICHAEL MIYOBA
NKANA FC’s quest to survive relegation from the MTN Super League received a major boost as the defending champions stunned Buildcon 2-0 in a Week-33 fixture played at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Former Power Dynamos striker Alex Ngo’nga was the hero of the day for Kalampa as he scored a crucial brace which redeemed Nkana’s hopes of surviving relegation.
Ngonga who scored in Nkana’s 1-1 draw against Zanaco in the previous fixture, put Kalampa ahead five minutes after the half hour mark after Diamond Chikwekwe had sent his free kick wide in Nkana’s first attempt at goal in the tenth minute.
Buildcon came close to getting the equalizer a minute before the break but were unlucky as defender Isaac Shamujompa directed his excellently taken free kick into the arms of goal keeper Kelvin Malunga as the first stanza ended 1-0 in favour of Nkana.
Buildcon’s search for an equalizer in the second half saw Musonda taking a shot in the box, but Malunga was equal to the task to produce another fine save.
Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi withdrew Ronald Kampamba for Ackim Mumba who made an immediate impact and set up Ngo’nga for his second goal in the 59th minute.
Buildcon’s lethal top man Brian Mwila was unlucky as his attempts to put his name on the score sheet were unsuccessful as Nkana recorded a crucial win which propelled them to 41 points, on par with Indeni.
Meanwhile, in the early kick off played yesterday at Nkana Stadium, Green Buffaloes moved into sixth position on the Super League table after beating relegated Kitwe United 2-0 in a Week 33 MTN Super League fixture played at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
A first half brace from Nicholus Mulilo escalated Buffaloes from 12th position where they were sitting on 43 points to 46 points.
Mulilo had given Buffaloes the lead just 11 minutes after kick off before he completed his brace in the 25th minute for Buffaloes to get an easy win in Kitwe.
It was an emotional fixture for veteran Buchizya Mfune who received an emotional send off as he played his last game for Green Buffaloes after making 600 appearances for the Army men since he joined from Kitwe United.
In Today’s fixtures, Green Eagles will take on Forest Rangers while Nkwazi host struggling Napsa Stars at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka.
Red Arrows’ quest to finish the league on third position continues when they host Kabwe Warriors who are seeking redemption from the 2-0 defeat to Prison Leopards. Champions in the making, Zesco United host stubborn Young Green Eagles who will be seeking maximum points as they fight to avoid being relegated from the Super League.
