Independence Stadium | Solwezi
Week 13 | MTN Super League
Kansanshi Dynamos FC and FC MUZA played out a tense 0–0 draw at Independence Stadium, with both sides creating opportunities but unable to find the decisive goal in a week-13 match of the MTN Super League.
The result sees the Mabanga Boys, who are coming from a 2-0 loss to Power Dynamos, collect a point at home in Head Coach Mohamed Fathi’s first match in charge.
Kansanshi opened with intent, breaking forward as early as the 2nd minute, though Brian Mwila was flagged offside before he could threaten. Twelve minutes later, Willy Bokingo forced MUZA goalkeeper Jairo Tembo into an important save with a well-struck effort.
MUZA responded with pressure of their own, but Kansanshi goalkeeper Gwazani Banda stood firm, producing superb saves in the 31st and 36th minutes, first stopping a point-blank strike, then punching away a dangerous free kick.
At the other end, Mwila came close twice, sending one effort over the bar in the 25th minute and later rising high in the 58th minute only to head just over from a promising position.
The technical bench introduced Garry Mwelwa and Brighton Kabumba in the 61st minute to add fresh energy to the attack. Kabumba nearly made the difference late in the match, heading narrowly wide in the 84th minute after a brilliant delivery from Mwelwa.
Further chances fell to Kabumba, Madinga, and Lukonde, but none could find the finishing touch as the clock wound down. Despite their dominance in phases of the game, Kansanshi could not convert their opportunities and the match ended scoreless.
POST-MATCH REACTION
Assistant Coach Dennies Makinka
On the result:
“First of all, I want to say well done to the boys because they gave it their all. Today I think I’ve never seen them fight the way they were fighting for every ball—the energy and the commitment. I think we should be sure that any time, we’ll get a win. The boys did very well, they did all they could. It’s just the goal that didn’t come. We’ll go back and come back strong for the next game.”
On controlling the game but failing to score:
“We controlled most of the game, but obviously not in dangerous areas. If you don’t get many touches in the box, it’s difficult to score. I also thought we didn’t shoot much, even though we had chances to shoot and to put crosses in. You can play well, but if you don’t put the ball behind the net, nothing happens.”
On Gwazani Banda’s performance:
“He was very impressive. Gwazani is doing what every goalkeeper is supposed to do. He works very hard, he’s always pushing in training. We are happy and supportive of him because he has improved a lot, even before I came here. We’ll keep pushing him to reach his top level.”
On confidence going into upcoming games:
“We have faith and belief in the boys. We have a big squad and everyone can play. Today everyone came to the party, Brian, Madinga, Mutambo, Bagodila… all of them. William was superb holding the ball and helping us with body tension. If we continue with this performance, we’ll soon move up into mid-table.”
On possible January signings:
“I can’t comment on that. As far as I’m concerned, the players we have are top, top level. We will see what the boss decides, but honestly, I doubt major changes.”
On mid-season targets:
“By week 17, we want to be out of the relegation zone. We want to pick points now so that when the second round starts, we are fighting for a top-eight or top-ten spot.”
On the missed last-minute chance that sparked emotions on the bench:
“I thought that was a goal. From where I was seated, I saw the ball going in. But football is football… it is what it is.”
On preparing for MUZA after their big win over Green Buffaloes:
“We knew this game would be very difficult. MUZA are not playing well by luck—they are a very good team. I watched them against Power in Mazabuka; their midfield and frontline are superb. We were prepared, and anything could have happened. For me, this point is acceptable because MUZA are enjoying good form.”
