Kansanshi Dynamos Football Club returned to their winning ways with a spirited 2-1 victory over Kafue Celtics FC in a Week 22 fixture of the National League played at Independence Stadium in Solwezi.
The result saw the Mabanga Boys maintain their second-place position on the log and moving to 44 points, while extending their unbeaten home record this season.
Kansanshi Dynamos started the game with intensity and were rewarded early in the 10th minute when Tranquilin Mwepu unleashed a stunning volley to give the hosts the lead. The goal lifted the home crowd, and Dynamos continued to press forward in search of a second.
In the 22nd minute, Chali Mulaisho found himself in a perfect position after breaking past the Celtics defence, but his effort narrowly missed the target. It was a missed opportunity that the visitors took advantage of five minutes later when David Chilufya equalized for Kafue Celtics with a composed finish in the 27th minute.
Kansanshi almost restored their lead in the 35th minute through Dalitso Lungu, but his effort also went wide. As halftime approached, Kafue Celtics had a chance to take the lead, but Samson Ngulube’s shot in the 44th minute failed to trouble the Kansanshi goal, sending both teams level into the break.
Coach Saileti made three changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Mike Zozi for Julius Mwanza and Mathews Mutambo for Remmy Chanda and Chali Mulaisho for Clinton Lubula to add fresh energy to the team.
Kansanshi continued to push forward, and in the 60th minute, Rodgers Lukonde almost restored the lead with a well-taken free kick, but the Celtics goalkeeper made a fine save to keep the scores level. The resulting corner was wasted, adding to the hosts’ frustrations.
More chances followed in the 77th minute when Lukonde produced another brilliant effort, only to be denied once again by the goalkeeper.
The pressure finally paid off in the 81st minute when substitute Kelvin Chisamba made an instant impact, smashing home a powerful strike just seven minutes after coming on. Dalitso Lungu provided the assist, setting up the crucial goal that sent the home fans into celebration.
In the closing minutes, Kansanshi made their final change in the 88th minute, with Rabson Mumba coming on for Dalitso Lungu to help see out the game. The team remained solid in defense, holding off Celticsโ late attempts to equalize.
Speaking after the match, Kansanshi Dynamos FC Head Coach Zeddy Saileti expressed his delight at his teamโs response following last weekโs defeat.
“A win coming after a loss in the previous game is always a great result. The boys showed character, and this victory is a huge motivation as we prepare for our next game, which will be an away fixture against Trident FC in the FQM Derby,” Saileti said.
Kansanshi Dynamos will now shift their focus to the highly anticipated FQM derby as they look to build on this momentum and strengthen their push for promotion.
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