By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Nkana bring their current 8-match unbeaten show to Lusaka for the first time since their honeymoon began in early November when they visit Nkwazi this afternoon at Edwin Imboela Stadium in a game that could push them away from relegation waters to a potential top 8 slot.
Mwenya Chipepo’s side is unbeaten since drawing 1-1 in the Kitwe derby against Power Dynamos on November 8 and from then on, went on to record three draws and a victory before winning their last four FAZ Super League matches.
But none of those games have been in Lusaka with the closest being a 1-0 away win at Mines United in Kabwe and a 1-1 draw in Mazabuka against FC MUZA.
Interestingly, Nkana’s last visit to Lusaka on November 1 was also the last time they tested defeat when current league leaders Red Arrows beat them 3-0.
But Nkana coach Mwenya Chipepo said in his pre-match interview yesterday that he was expecting a very tough game against Nkwazi but that his team are also determined to stay unbeaten.
Nkana and Nkwazi’s first leg match on August 24 in Kitwe finished in a 1-1 draw.
Nkwazi are also below Nkana at number 14 with 18 points and without a win in their last three games.
”Playing a team like Nkwazi is not an easy one. So I know it won’t be easy. We are playing away from home. But we have prepared a very, very good side and are ready to pick up these good points,” Chipepo said.
An away win today would lift Nkana on the verge of the top 8 from their current 12th position to tie on 25 points with eighth placed Green Eagles.
The match is also the first of Nkana’s back-to-back away league fixtures in Lusaka with the last one coming against 9th positioned Green Buffaloes this Saturday who have 23 points.
”Yes, these are two difficult games and you know, Green Buffaloes are not doing well. And if we are playing a team whithat not doing well, we are expecting a very, very tough game. Even Green Buffaloes in Nkwazi are almost the same,” Chipepo said.
Meanwhile, in Wednesday’s other games, FAZ Super League leaders Red Arrows visit promoted and bottom of the table Mines United at Railway Grounds in Kabwe .
Arrows beat Mines 4-1 in the first leg in Lusaka last August and another win will see them go three points clear at the top of second placed Power Dynamos who are away on CAF Champions League duty.
And the other fixture sees fourth placed ZANACO was in Solwezi to face 15th positioned Kansanshi Dynamos in a match that the visitors are battling to halt a three-match winless run.
