Zambia Super League champions Power Dynamos and Nkana FC settled for a share of the spoils after a fiercely contested but goalless Kitwe Derby at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The defending champions started brightly, taking the game to their city rivals and creating several promising chances. Vintage talisman Andy Bobwa Boyeli had an early goal but his effort was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper before coming close again in the 14th minute as he saw his acrobatic effort go over the bar.
Joshua Mutale and Kondwani Chiboni were lively in attack as Budo’s creativity kept the Nkana defence on its toes while Chiboni was swinging in some crosses. Power came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the second half when Boyeli rattled the crossbar, with Owen Tembo failing to convert the rebound.
Late into the game, substitute Ronnel Manyanga also missed a good opportunity after brilliantly combining with striker Amine Hiver, as Power continued searching for the elusive opener. Nkana had their moments too, but goalkeeper Willard Mwanza produced a crucial point-blank save to deny Nduna Zulu from a 1v1 situation.
At the other end, Kafunti Saisada came to Power’s rescue with a vital goal-line clearance to keep the scores level. Despite late pressure and a dangerous free-kick from Joshua Mutale neither side could find the breakthrough.
It was a derby full of energy, exciting football and end to end attacking football with missed opportunities, but ultimately, the spoils were shared. In a post match interview, Assistant Coach Linos Makwaza Snr pointed to a lack of composure in front of goal, despite the team working on finishing during training.
“We do that in training,” he said, before adding, “We are frustrated with a point.”
Coach Makwaza was speaking in the absence of the head coach, who was serving a suspension following a red card.
During the game and at different intervals, Power made four changes as Salulani Phiri, Ronnel Manyanga, Amine Hiver, and Wilson Chisala replaced Linos Makwaza Jnr, Andy Boyeli, Eddy Ankobo, and Daniel Adoko.
