FC MUZA Crush Nkana to End Kalampa’s Continental Hopes in Seven-Goal Thriller

FC MUZA delivered a stunning 5-2 comeback victory over Nkana Football Club on Saturday at Nakambala Stadium in Mazabuka, ending the Kitwe giants’ hopes of qualifying for continental football next season and securing their own top-flight survival in emphatic fashion.

Nkana made a blistering start to the match, with Lazarous Kambole opening the scoring just three minutes in. However, their momentum was short-lived as goalkeeper Patrick Chooma was shown a red card in the 8th minute for a foul on Andrew Phiri outside the box, leaving Kalampa with ten men for the remainder of the game.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Idris Mbombo restored Nkana’s lead in the 38th minute after Phiri had equalized for MUZA on the half-hour mark. But MUZA responded swiftly, with Given Kalusa leveling the scores again just before halftime.

In the second half, the Elegant Dynamites dominated proceedings. Substitute Rickson Ng’ambi emerged as the game-changer, scoring a brace, while Andrew Phiri netted his second of the match. Solomon Mpasela also added his name to the scoresheet, capping off a commanding performance that sealed Nkana’s fate.

With Power Dynamos crowned champions and ZESCO United claiming Zambia’s CAF Confederation Cup slot, Nkana’s defeat officially rules them out of next season’s continental competitions.

MUZA’s assistant coach Cosmas Mujika was full of praise for his side’s fighting spirit and tactical execution:

“Sweet victory. Our boys played with determination; we dominated play especially in the second half. We told our bench that everyone is part of this game. When you come in, you must change the game.”

Now safe from relegation, MUZA will end their campaign with a local derby against Green Eagles in Choma. Mujika expressed satisfaction with the club’s progress:

“I feel happy as a coach. Everyone is happy because MUZA is now a big club. It doesn’t deserve to go to the national league.”

In other results, Atletico Lusaka boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over already relegated Indeni, thanks to goals from Benjamin Chisala and Thomas Chisi. ZANACO also strengthened their safety with a 2-0 victory over Mufulira Wanderers. Red Arrows edged Forest Rangers 1-0, ending their 10-match unbeaten streak, while Green Buffaloes and Nchanga Rangers played out a goalless draw at Edwin Imboela Stadium.