Zambia: Red Arrows football club won a match on Saturday against FC Muza with a clean and historical 4 – 1 in a relentless battle. The win left their fans emotionally distressed.
The hero of the match was none other than Saddam Yusuf Phiri, whose stellar performance secured victory for the Airmen. With a remarkable hat-trick and at the same time servicing the midfield, Saddam showcased his prowess on the field, leaving both Arrows supporters and opponents in awe of his exceptional talent and display on match day no. 19 for the Airmen.
The atmosphere in the stadium was charged with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the outcome of this fierce contest, keeping in mind that the visitors had never beaten the home side in all competitions in their four meetings.
Moreover, only one or so clubs in the entire Super League had ever won a match in Mazabuka. In fact, only two teams have managed to secure maximum points at Nakambala Stadium in the last two seasons. Truly, the Airmen faced a challenging test when they visited Mazabuka.
FC Muza, known for their tenacity, persevered bravely in the face of the Red Arrows’ onslaught but created moments of brilliance and elegance (as they call themselves) that reverberated throughout the match even when they surely went down. Chipo Sondashi came in as a good substitute, energetically and tactically proved to be the game changer for the home side, playing a key role in securing the consolation goal.
The Airmen, on the other hand, had different plans to rewrite history and pushed an impressive display that subsequently paid off.
Chisi Mbewe made several substitutions in the starting IX from the previous match against Nkana, with Charles Kalumba replacing Jeban Tembo, Ciel Ebengo replacing James Chamanga, and Thomas Zulu replacing Alassane Diarra.
In the run of play, both teams were eager to score the first goal, and Ricky Banda came close for the Airmen, forcing a corner. Ciel Ebengo picked the ball and gave it to Mumba, who took the corner and found a rising Paul Katema, who razor-bladed it, just as he did in the Nkana game, to score in the 14′ to give the visitors the lead.
Ebengo once again played his slippery trade, delivering a precise pass that sliced through the Muza defence. Unfortunately, Brain Chilimina was unable to capitalise on the opportunity, shooting wide inside the box.
The Airmen maintained their attacking posture, resulting in scoring their second goal on 34′. Saddam coolly controlled and superbly finished a setup by a cutting in Ackim Mumba to secure the Airmen’s firm control of the match.
In a move to bolster support, at halftime, Muza generously allowed their home fans to enter the stadium for free. Despite the increased backing from their passionate supporters, Muza found themselves helpless against the relentless assault of the Airmen.
The host had emerged from the break with great determination, eager to find a goal, which they did when Andrew Phiri successfully scored from close range from a Chipo Sondashi shot that Kalumba spilt off.
The match hung in the balance as Muza fought for an equaliser while the Airmen aimed to secure their victory.
Chisi Mbewe made some tactical changes, bringing in Chitiya Mususu to replace Ciel Ebengo, while young wizards Anthony Shipanuka and Alassane Diarra replaced Ackim Mumba and Thomas Zulu, respectively.
It was substitute Alassane Diarra, whose Arrows blood perfectly is red, displayed exceptional skills and assisted Saddam on 83′ after outsmarting and beating his markers, setting for the Arrows captain to score his second and loud screamer of a goal from outside the box, securing a third goal for the Airmen.
The Airmen were not done yet. Chitiya Mususu had a chance to score after Diarra intelligently set and released him in space, beating an offside trap. He raced, paced out and shot a curving in, but the Muza custodian made a great save, which unintentionally lay in for Saddam, who was in the right place at the right time to nod in the half-empty net on the rebound to complete his first hat trick for Red Arrows.
Speaking after the game, Coach Chisi Mbewe expressed his satisfaction with the result. He considered it a great New Year’s gift for the Air Force commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, the new Red Arrows football club Patron.
“Playing against FC Muza in Muzabuka is never easy, but the team had prepared well and executed the game plan effectively. The players followed instructions, which made play somehow easier. Muza kept their push and continued coming at us, but overly, we were better today in all departments than the previous game for us to secure this sweet victory,” said Chisi Mbewe.
The clash between these two teams was not just a battle on the field; it was a confirmation of the unyielding spirit of competition that fuels football rivalries and, if you want – ending the elegant dynamite’s pride over the elite Airmen, 4 – 1 bashing on their on turf.
The win is the third consecutive victory for Red Arrows, with Forest Rangers’ fixture up next before a well-deserved break next week.
The Airmen are now second on the league table with 35 points, one apiece with leaders Zesco United, who stand at 36 points after 19 games played.
They also called people to come and join them in Nkoloma against Forest Rangers next Saturday.