Arrows’ league title hopes suffer setback
By Elias Chipepo
Nkwazi 2 Arrows 1
PREMIER Division defending champions Red Arrows’ hopes of closing up on leaders Zanaco yesterday suffered a setback after they lost 2-1 to a determined Nkwazi.
Arrows who could have leap-frogged from fifth to second position on the standings had they won, remain stuck on 25 points while Nkwazi are now on 22 in ninth place, up from their previous 11th.
After a barren first half, Arrows went ahead in the 55th minute through substitute Simon Lupiya with a volley that beat ascending Nkwazi keeper Elliot Phiri after his defender Sam Simukonda failed to clear the ball.
Nkwazi scored their equaliser in the 66th minute through Morton Munamoonga who took advantage of a defensive error by the Arrows backline after a Kebby Sitowa corner.
As Arrows started to panic after being pegged back to level terms, their worst fears were confirmed when Keagan Phiri scored the winning goal for Nkwazi.
Phiri beat Arrows defender and captain Frank Lopi to a high ball with a chested ball and made a run towards the goalmouth where he made no mistake to chip the ball over Fred Mankomba.
Nkwazi had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping out a flurry of Arrows shots that mainly came from Kamzati Kabwe’s free kicks as the airmen pushed.
Arrows could have opened scores in the 33rd minute but Sam Gondwe’s well struck volley from an Abraham Mwamba flick on after a David Phiri corner kick, was disallowed for offside.
Nkwazi who repeatedly protested over what they felt was poor refereeing as they were frequently blown offside, just did enough to carry the day and were worthy winners.
