By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Nkana hosts Napsa Stars this Saturday in a match they need to reboot following last Sunday’s major loss at Zesco United.
The record 13-time Zambian champions return to action following a 2-0 away defeat at Zesco in their top-four showdown played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola that dashed hopes of returning to the top spot after leading the log in Week 19.
Nkana’s defeat was only their second under coach Mwenya Chipepo’s impressive run since his appointment in late October in which they have won 8, drawn 2 and now lost 2 games.
But Chipepo described the loss to Zesco as a minor setback.
Nkana has 33 points, one point behind third-placed Red Arrows while Zesco is tied on 36 points with leaders Kabwe Warriors after 20 games played.
“The race is still on and we are remaining with 14 games so it’s just a matter of working hard in the coming game,” Chipepo said.
“I am confident in the players available. They are the same players who have performed well in the last games.
“I am not worried, I trust them and we shall bounce back.”
The pressure is on Nkana to get 3 points from Napsa Stars who were the first team they beat this season with a 1-0 away victory under Chipepo’s predecessor Ian Bakala on September 14.
It was also Nkana’s only League win before Chipepo’s arrival on October 27 when he lifted them from third from bottom to their current top-four status.
But Nkana has injury worries starting in defence where Chitoshi Chinga is a doubt after sustaining a first half injury against Zesco.
Chinga joins influential midfielder Harrison Chishala on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, opponents Napsa who sit just above the relegation trap door at number 14, have not won a league game since they beat fellow strugglers Zanaco 1-0 on November 9.
That was 10 games ago and since then have posted 6 draws and 3 defeats.
Fortunately for Napsa, they started the year with two draws to extend their unbeaten run to four games from the 2 points they collected against Mutondo and Zesco over Christmas.
However, despite Napsa harbouring shades of optimism with that run , the stakes are quite high for their hosts Nkana in Saturdays game in Wusakile.
FAZ Super League Fixtures
Week 21
25/01/2025
Zanaco – Green Buffaloes
Red Arrows – Kabwe Warriors
Indeni – FC MUZA
Mufulira Wanderers – Lumwana Radiants
Nchanga Rangers – Mutondo Stars
Forest Rangers – Power Dynamos
Nkana – Napsa Stars
26/01/2025G
Green Eagles – Zesco United N
Nkwazi – Atletico Lusaka
