Numba upbeat despite Zesco loss

by Staff Reporter

Thursday May 27, 2021. 19:00

FAZ Super League leaders Zesco United coach Mumamba Numba has described Wednesday’s 3-0 away loss at Prison Leopards as a minor setback in their final push for the 2020/2021 title.

Wednesday’s away defeat in Kabwe denied ten-man Zesco an opportunity of moving one point closer to this season’s title with five games to spare.

Zesco currently lead the log on 58 points, eight points more than second placed Zanaco with five and four matches left to play respectively.

“The referee was on their side and that is how they managed to get the three goals,” Numba said.

“Otherwise we will keep forging ahead; we will encourage our team because this is not the end of the world.”

Referee Evans Mulenga handed Prison a 23rd minute penalty that was converted by David Obashi after Zesco defender Clement Mwape’s handball.

Six minutes later, Zesco were reduced to ten men when key midfielder Kelvin Mubanga received his second booking.

Augustine Henneh added Prison’s second goal in the 71st minute before Obashi completed his brace in the 83rd minute to help Prison crawl further away from the relegation battle below them, rising from 13th to number ten on 41 points with three fixtures to go.

Meanwhile, Zesco will return to action this Sunday hoping to get it right this time against visiting bottom of the table side and relegated Kitwe United at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

“We have another game on Sunday so we just have to get down in training and make sure we are ready for the Kitwe United game,” Numba said.

“It is another tricky encounter. Every time we play these teams that are in the relegation zone it is never an easy game so we just have to be at our best for us to beat Kitwe United.”

Zesco are chasing a ninth league crown to tie with the second most successful club Mufulira Wanderers that will put the four wins behind out-going champions Nkana who are currently battling for their survival in the bottom four relegation zone.