By MICHAEL MIYOBA
HIGH Flying Nkwazi FC propelled to seventh on the MTN/FAZ Super League table after completing a double over Prison Leopards following a 2-1 victory in a “Home Affairs” derby at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka.
First and second half goals from Bernard Kumwenda and Stephen Mutama inspired Nkwazi’s comeback from last week painful 2-1 defeat to Green Eagles.
Nkwazi, who were without head coach Dennis Makinka who was serving a red card dictated play in the early minutes of the game and were able to break the deadlock through Kumwenda 14 minutes after kick-off.
Former Under-20 national team star Conlyde Luchanga restored parity for Prison Leopards with a sublime header from close range in the 23rd minute.
Prison Leopards suffered a setback in the first half when Francis Debrah was forced out after picking an injury and was replaced by Simon Nkandu.
Nkwazi had a chance to restore their lead a minute before the half hour mark but were unfortunate as Stephen Mutama sent his header over the bar.
Striker Isaac Ngoma came close to finding the back of the net in the 45th minute with a strike which went over the bar as the first stanza ended 1-1.
In the second half, it was Prison Leopards who dominated play and created numerous scoring opportunities which went begging with Luchanga and Ngoma missing clear cut chances.
Mutama punished the visiting team with a winner from a sublime free kick from a tight angle to gift Nkwazi a crucial win which propelled them to 32 points.
The win cheered Nkwazi’s assistant coach Keegan Phiri who was calling the shots on the touchline in the absence of Makinka.
Makinka however noted the need for the police sponsored outfit to improve in all aspects of the game after struggling against Prison Leopards.
Meanwhile, Prison coach Albert Kachinga attributed the defeat to lack of focus by his players who were unfortunate to concede two goals after playing good football.
Kachinga said they would go back to the drawing board to plan and prepare for a comeback after the defeat.
