By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
ZANACO and Power Dynamos will be seeking victories today to cut Zesco United’s lead at the summit of the MTN-FAZ Super League table and boost their chances of playing in the 2016 CAF inter-club competition.
Zesco are enjoying a commanding seven-point lead over their closest rivals Zanaco and Power, who are neck-to-neck on 49 and 47 points, respectively, with only six matches left before the season concludes.
With Zesco, who lead the charge on 56 points taking on Nchanga Rangers in Chingola tomorrow, the chasing duo could narrow the gap if they win their respective matches this afternoon.
Today’s fixtures will also see ‘Mighty’ Mufulira Wanderers return to Shinde Stadium with a date against Green Buffaloes following the FAZ Appeals Committee decision to overturn the Disciplinary Committee’s six-match ban imposed on the club over crowd trouble.
Arrows v Zanaco
Sensational Zanaco return to league action following a 3-0 win over Lumwana Radiants in the Barclays Cup quarter-finals last Sunday.
The bankers make a short trip to Nkoloma Stadium to face party spoilers Red Arrows knowing that any slip-up could cast doubts on their title challenge and subsequent qualification for continental football.
Zanaco claimed a 2-0 triumph at Sunset Stadium in the reverse fixture between the two sides in June and will be eyeing maximum points to complete a double over Arrows, which could also see them cut Zesco’s lead to four points.
Arrows, who are seventh on the log with 34 points, are eyeing revenge over their city rivals to finish the season on a high.
Nkwazi v Power
Power will be looking to bounce back from their recent poor showing and reclaim second spot when they face a giant killing Nkwazi side at Edwin Imboela Stadium, but only if Zanaco tumbles.
After battling to a 1-all draw against relegation-threatened Konkola Blades at home a fortnight ago before being booted out of the Barclays Cup last weekend, a win could instil confidence in Tenant Chilumba’s men, who are nine points off the pace.
However, sixth-placed Nkwazi are not pushovers at their home turf and with Police Inspector General Stella Libongani demanding a top four finish for the ‘policemen’, Power should expect a tough encounter.
Assembly v Eagles
Relegation-feared National Assembly host Green Eagles hoping to salvage a victory that could brighten their survival hopes.
With 17 points out of 24 matches, the ‘Parliamentarians’ are rock bottom of the log and will need a spirited fight to snatch the three points coach Justin Chinama’s men who are eighth with 31 points need.
Other games will see Nkana host Lusaka Dynamos in a match to be beamed live on SuperSport while Napsa make the trip to Mazabuka to face Nakambala Leopards.
Tomorrow’s fixtures: Rangers v Zesco, Blades v Forest