Zesco halt winless run, Buffaloes honeymoon ends

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Nov 28, 2021. 21:00

Defending champions Zesco United returned to winning ways while leaders Green Buffaloes’ unbeaten start to the 2021/2022 season came to an end on a dramatic Sunday in the FAZ Super League.

At Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Zesco beat Buildcon 3-2 away in an Ndola derby to end their month-long, three-match winless drought since beating Kansanshi Dynamos 4-0 at the same venue on October 20.

Kelvin Kampamba and Samson Mkandawire scored a goal each to put Zesco two-nil into the break in the 17th and 27th minutes respectively.

Zesco could have led three-nil at halftime but veteran defender Adrian Chama twice failed to convert a 35th minute penalty.

First, Chama had to retake his penalty after Buildcon goalkeeper Benson Mwale had stepped off his line and then the stopper, in quick-fire motion, parried Chama’s spot-kick and subsequent rebound.

Striker Brian Mwila later raised Buildcon’s hopes when he cut Zesco’s lead when he converted a 70th minute penalty for the homeside.

However, there was more drama to follow in the dying minutes when Chitiya Mususu scored Zesco’s third goal in the 89th minute before Patrick Ngoma narrowed the gap in stoppage time for Buildcon to wrap-up a thrilling end to the Ndola derby.

Buildcon are down from 3rd to 7th on 18 points after suffering their third league loss of the season.

But the win lifts Zesco from 11th to 6th on 18 points and they are now ten points behind leaders Buffaloes who saw their twelve-match unbeaten start to the 2021/2022 season ended by hosts Green Eagles.

Eagles beat Buffaloes 2-0 away in Choma thanks to a Derrick Bulaya brace in the 21st and 83rd minute.

The win sees Eagles rise from 4th to 3rd on 20 points, eight points behind Buffaloes and two adrift of second placed Nkwazi.