CHIPEPO MAGIC

By BARNABAS ZULU

RESURGENT Nkana continued their winning run with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Indeni in a Week 11 fixture at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola yesterday. This marked a third consecutive win for coach Mwenya Chipepo, who had previously secured his first victory in charge against Red Arrows, followed by another win over Mufulira Wanderers.The win takes Nkana to 16 points, and with other matches still to be decided today, the 13-time league champions are positioned to climb higher as they look to recover from a challenging start under former coach Ian Bakala.Nkana took the lead early, with Idris Mbombo scoring from long range in the 12th minute, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage. Shortly after, Nkana were forced into a substitution when Mbombo sustained an injury and was replaced by Christopher Ilonda Itaka.As the first half progressed, Charles Zulu doubled Nkana’s lead with a stunning shot from outside the box in the 36th minute, putting them 2-0 ahead.In the second half, Ilonda Itaka sealed the win for the visitors with a third goal in the 68th minute, finishing off an assist from Zulu to make it 3-0.Indeni managed a late consolation goal through Amos Simwanza in the 83rd minute, but it wasn’t enough to end their misery.Chipepo’s tactical decisions continue to pay off, and he has now been joined by Chipolopolo legends Christopher Katongo and Elijah Tana as his first and second assistants, respectively.In other fixtures, Kabwe Warriors returned to winning ways as they beat Atletico Lusaka 3-0 at home against with goals from Godfrey Binga, Simon Tonga, and Gabriel Banda.Nkwazi earned a 2-1 win against Forest Rangers, with Christopher Chola and Susu Mukabanga on the scoresheet for the Zambia Police outfit.NAPSA Stars edged Zanaco 1-0 thanks to a goal from Evans Kayombo.MUZA secured a 2-1 victory away to Lumwana Radiants, with Biston Banda and Andrew Phiri scoring while Abraham Kanyangala netted the consolation for the hosts.Defending champions Red Arrows played to a 1-1 draw with Green Eagles, with Alassane Diarra scoring for Arrows and Amity Shamende finding the net for Eagles.Meanwhile, Mufulira Wanderers thumped Nchanga Rangers 2-0 at home, thanks to goals from Collins Makungu and Clive Biyeta.