Zambia: The Airmen went into a week 13 encounter against Kansanshi Dynamos Football Club having an edge over the host and looking to continue where they left off before the international break.
The match started on a fast note with both teams attacking each other and had the first sight at goal with Ricky banda knocking but was denied by Philip Sakauta. The visitors then had to survive a scare in the 18′ with the hosts hitting the upright from well delivered Davie Daka cross.
Arrows could have taken the lead on 21′, but the chance went begging. On 37′, Ricky Banda benefited from a James Chamanga pass to put the Airmen in front.
The determined host could, however, not go away to the shower before equalizing just right before halftime through Yanganila Tembo to see the two sides go level at the break. It was a wonderful run on the left flank for Jimmy Mukeya, who sent a blazer that hit the upright and the unmarked Tembo was obliged to finish with an easy header.
The hosts started the second half exactly the same way they ended the first with an early goal when they benefited from a counterattack for Davie Daka to finish from another Jimmy Mukeya setter.
Arrows then made a double change in the hopes of changing the direction of the game, introducing Ackim Mumba for Edward Mwenya and Ciel Ebengo for Alassane Diarra; the fresh new players combined well as Ebengo set up Ackim Mumba, but an alert Kansanshi goalkeeper denied the lad to keep the host in the cash gate.
George ‘Boom’ Chaloba was introduced for Yusuf Saddam 8′ to full-time and almost restored parity but was denied by the crossbar with his well-taken shot.
The hosts will then hold on and claim all three points at the end.
Speaking after the game, a dissatisfied Red Arrows Coach, Chisi Mbewe, said, “We have to blame ourselves for the result. We started so well and created clear-cut chances, but we failed to convert them and allowed Kansanshi to come at us. We scored and allowed an equalizer then they went on to score the winning goal just at the start of halftime. Congratulations to Kansanshi they played well and wanted it more than us.”
Chisi said going forward, the team was going to address the mistakes and continue working and focusing on their targets.
Arrows will now face Kabwe Warriors next Saturday at Nkoloma in Week 14, and they just have to recover If they have to claim the top slot.