Kansanshi Dynamos Push Hard but Come Up Short Once More
Kansanshi Dynamos FC suffered a narrow defeat at Independence Stadium on Saturday, going down 1–0 to Green Eagles in a tense Match Day 5 encounter. This was the first loss at home since 2023/24 season, when the team lost to Power Dynamos in week -24.
The Mabanga Boys started brightly and created several clear chances in the first half. In the 26th minute, Kalonji Mwepu rose highest to meet a cross but headed wide. Two minutes later, Kizito Kezeron tried his luck from range, only for the Eagles goalkeeper to collect comfortably.
Eagles’ Boris Tchatou nearly punished a defensive lapse on 30 minutes, but Gwazani Banda reacted quickly to shut down the threat. Kansanshi almost broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Mathews connected with Lukonde’s corner, only to see his powerful header crash against the post.
The home side kept pressing, with a scramble in the Eagles’ box at the 40th minute failing to produce the breakthrough.
Second Half Action
The game turned in the 56th minute when debutant goalkeeper Gwazani Banda misplaced a pass inside his area, allowing Collins Sikombe to pounce and give Green Eagles the lead.
Kansanshi responded strongly. In the 64th minute, Lukonde spun past his marker and unleashed a right-footed effort, but it sailed over the bar. Coach Saileti introduced fresh legs with a double substitution in the 67th minute, bringing in Julius and Lucky Sinkanyika for Kizito and Garry Mwelwa.
Despite late attempts, including a strike from Francisco Madinga in the 83rd minute, the hosts could not find the equaliser. Further changes in the closing stages brought renewed energy, but the decisive goal remained elusive.
Post-Match Reactions
Speaking after the game, Head Coach Zeddy Saileti expressed disappointment at the result but noted positives in the team’s attacking play:
“Yeah, again, disappointed because I think we played attacking football, created a lot of chances, but we didn’t take them. One mistake, they scored the goal, and everything changed. We need to find a winning formula. If we win one game, I think it’ll be good for us.”
On the way forward, he added:
“We take positives. We created great chances, and we just need to take them. Of course, the fans are upset, and rightly so, but we need their support. We just have to find a solution to start winning games.”
Green Eagles coach, Perry Mutapa, was delighted with the three points but admitted his side had been second-best for long periods:
“The most important thing was the three points. Travelling wasn’t easy, but we managed. Kansanshi played very well; we just took our chance. We need to build on this result, especially at home, where we haven’t been strong enough.”
Full-Time
Kansanshi Dynamos 0–1 Green Eagles
(56’ Collins Sikombe)
