Two-Day Battle Ends in Narrow Defeat for Kansanshi Dynamos in Choma.
A two-day encounter finally came to a conclusion as hosts Green Eagles claimed all three points in a dramatic Week 22 fixture played under challenging weather conditions at Independence Stadium in Choma.
The match, which kicked off on Saturday, February 28, could not be completed on the same day after heavy rains disrupted proceedings shortly after kick-off.
Rain had already begun before the start of the game and intensified minutes into play. Despite worsening conditions, the referee initially allowed the match to continue.
Green Eagles took an early lead in the 11th minute through a penalty converted by Aaron Musore. The spot kick was awarded after Rodgers Lukonde handled the ball inside the box while attempting to cover for his goalkeeper during a scramble for possession.
As the downpour grew heavier, conditions became increasingly difficult for both teams. Following intervention from the match commissioner, the referee eventually halted the match in the 15th minute due to unsafe playing conditions.
After assessing the pitch alongside both teams and match officials, it was decided that the match would resume the following morning at 09:00hrs, restarting from the 15th minute with Eagles leading 1–0.
Match Resumption
When play resumed, the hosts started brightly, creating early chances but failing to extend their advantage. Amity Samende missed from a corner situation, while Besa Henry also came close soon after.
Kansanshi Dynamos gradually settled into the contest, with Mwepu delivering a dangerous cross into the box in the 25th minute, though Kizito arrived just late to connect as Eagles cleared the danger.
Green Eagles nearly doubled their lead in the 41st minute when Yande Charles struck the upright, but Kansanshi reacted quickly to clear.
The visitors found their breakthrough in the 57th minute, as Mathews Banda equalised for Kansanshi Dynamos with a well-taken free kick, bringing the contest level at 1–1, rewarding an improved second-half performance.
Earlier, Kansanshi had introduced Brighton Kabumba in place of Mubiana Muleta in a tactical substitution.
However, the hosts restored their advantage in the 72nd minute, with Derrick Bulaya finding the net to make it 2–1 — a goal that ultimately proved decisive despite late pressure from Kansanshi Dynamos.
Kansanshi Dynamos thought they had found a late equaliser in the dying minutes through Kalonji Mwepu, but the goal was ruled out.
Green Eagles held firm until the final whistle to secure maximum points.
Coach’s Reaction | Mohamed Fathi
Kansanshi Dynamos head coach Mohamed Fathi reflected on the unusual circumstances surrounding the match and his team’s performance:
“Yesterday we were disturbed by the rain and the weather conditions. I think the penalty came at a moment when the players were not fully focused because the rain and wind were very strong.
But we came back today and played very well, especially in the second half, and we managed to equalise.”
The coach also pointed to a decisive moment that shifted the game:
“One mistake happened from our goalkeeper. He is a very good goalkeeper, but sometimes even the best players make mistakes. After that we tried to push and almost equalised again, but our goal was disallowed. I don’t understand why the assistant raised the flag because the ball came from a rebound outside the box.”
Despite the defeat, Fathi remains optimistic about the team’s progress and survival chances:
“When we took over the team after 11 games, they had only collected nine points. In the 13 games since then, we have collected 12 points, so there is progress.
We didn’t strengthen much in the transfer window and some new players got injured, but we are working with the players we have and giving everything for the team.
We are still outside the relegation zone and we must keep pushing. Consistency takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight. We just need patience and to focus on the next game.”
