Kansanshi Dynamos suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Nkwazi FC in a tightly contested Week 33 encounter, despite creating several opportunities in search of a late equaliser.
Coming into the fixture on the back of a hard-fought victory over FC Leopards, the Mabanga Boys were aiming to continue their strong finish to the season. Assistant coach Dennis Makinka had earlier highlighted the challenge posed by Nkwazi, describing the hosts as a quick and physically demanding side.
The hosts started brightly and found the breakthrough in the 15th minute through Shawn Oduro, who gave Nkwazi the lead with a composed finish.
Kansanshi Dynamos responded positively and nearly won a penalty in the 24th minute after Willy Bokingo went down inside the box following a challenge, but play was waved on.
Three minutes later, Kalonji Mwepu found space in front of goal, only to see his effort sail slightly over the crossbar.
The Mabanga Boys were then forced into several changes midway through the first half, with Kizito Kezron replacing Muleta Mubiana, Francisco Madinga coming in for Dalitso Lungu, while Garry Mwelwa replaced Clinton Lubula.
Just before the break, Kansanshi Dynamos thought they had found the equaliser, but celebrations were cut short after the referee signalled the ball had gone out of play.
The visitors continued to push after the restart and in the 48th minute another dangerous scramble inside the penalty area saw Garry Mwelwa go down following a challenge, but once again play continued.
Faustina Bakodila came close in the 52nd minute after firing a powerful effort from the right side following a free kick situation, but the attempt narrowly missed the target.
Kansanshi continued to dominate possession in spells during the second half as they searched for a breakthrough, but Nkwazi’s defence remained compact and disciplined.
In added time, Nkwazi were reduced to ten men after Mathews Mashimikilo received his second yellow card of the match. Kansanshi Dynamos pushed forward one final time and were handed a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time, but Kalonji Mwepu could not keep his effort down inside the box as the chance sailed over the bar.
Speaking after the match, assistant coach Dennis Makinka described the encounter as a difficult contest and admitted the team had to make early tactical adjustments.
“Of course it was a tough game. It’s always difficult to play a team fighting to get out of relegation. We came here with a plan, but it didn’t work in the first 20 to 25 minutes. We had to make tactical changes because they were dominating the midfield. After the changes, we had more stability and were able to move the ball better and create a few chances.”
Makinka dismissed suggestions that the team may have relaxed after confirming survival earlier in the campaign, insisting the club still had targets to achieve before the end of the season.
“Football is about targets. We wanted to better our points tally since our stay in the Premier League. This loss means we won’t reach 47 or 48 points which was part of our target. So relaxing because we survived? No. Our target remains to finish in the top 10.”
With one game remaining before the end of the season, the assistant coach says the team remains determined to finish strongly.
“We will continue pushing until the final whistle of the season. These last games are important because they set the foundation for the new season. We want to finish well so that we can start the next season strongly. We now focus on winning our final home game with the support of our fans.”
Makinka also reflected on the team’s overall campaign, praising the players for their improvement after a difficult start to the season.
“Overall, the season has been good considering how we started. Around week 10 or 11 we only had a few points, but the boys really pushed and fought hard to improve. Reaching 41 points is not easy and we will continue encouraging them so that we can start next season much better.”
