Zesco fumble, Rangers in 2nd place

POLICE 2 ZESCO 1
ZESCO United’s title chase suffered a major setback yesterday when they lost to Konkola Mine Police in a Week 26 match at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
The loss saw Zesco dropping to third position and Nchanga Rangers sneaking into second place after the Chingola outfit bravely edged Napsa Stars 2-1 in an early kick-off at the same venue.
Rangers have 48 points, one better than Zesco.
Leaders Nkana could open up a nine-point lead if they beat Nkwazi today
Winston Kalengo’s solo effort gave Zesco a false start on 42 minutes but skipper Chileya Chipulu hit back in the 51st minute when he nodded in Kabaso Chongo’s cross past goalkeeper Lameck Nyangu.
Police grabbed the winner in the 90th minute through substitute Andrew Tampwila, who replaced Chipulu.
Zesco have 47 points, seven behind pacesetters Nkana while Police climbed to 10th position with 32 points.
RANGERS 2 NAPSA 1
Rangers sneaked into second position on the MTN Super Division log when they edged Napsa Stars.
The win pushed Rangers to 48 points, one better than third-placed Zesco United and six behind Nkana, who take on Nkwazi today.
Bornwell Mwape and substitute Felix Nyaende contributed a goal apiece to put the title chase back on track.
Mwape opened the scoring in the 13th minute but veteran striker Harry Milanzi equalised in the 52nd minute through a penalty before Nyaende, who replaced Alex Ng’onga, sealed victory on 82 minutes.
Napsa have 30 points.
ZANACO 2 WARRIORS 1
Reigning champions Zanaco edged Kabwe Warriors in a nervy encounter at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka, VICTOR KUMWENDA reports.
Aubrey Funga opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he beat Warriors goalkeeper Kelvin Musonda with a sublime finish from outside the area.
Substitute Owen Mwendabai levelled two minutes before the break to score his eighth goal of the season before impressive Roderick Kabwe restored the lead on the hour mark from a long-range shot.
The win pushed Zanaco’s tally to 42 points while Warriors are on 32.
BUFFALOES 1 POWER 1
Green Buffaloes needed a penalty in added time to salvage a point against Power Dynamos at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka, ROBINSON KUNDA reports.
Cletus Chama put Power in front on 66 minutes after connecting a cross from Kennedy Mudenda.
Power held on to a slender lead and looked set to bag full points only for Choma referee Rodrick Ng’andu to award the hosts a penalty deep in added time after Lawrence Chungu was adjudged to have handled.
Kennedy Chola converted from the spot.
Buffaloes moved to 38 points, eight better than Power.
LIME 0 BLADES 1
Substitute Ian Kafusha netted for Konkola Baldes in stoppage time to push Lime Hotspurs closer to the exit door at Trade Fair Ground in Ndola, CHISHALA MUSONDA reports.
Kafusha, who had come on for Humphrey Maseneko in the 84th minute, was in the right place to poke home a pass from Lazarus Kambole.
Blades go to 37 points while Lime remain on 20 points and second from the bottom.
FOREST 1 ROAN 1
Forest Rangers were left to live another life in the top flight when Malar Besa’s equaliser gained them a point off Roan United at Dola Hill Ground in Ndola.
Anos Tembo gave Roan the lead on the hour mark but seven minutes later Besa equalised.
The Ndola side stay at the bottom on 18 points while Roan have 34.
Today, leaders Nkana take on Nkwazi while Kalulushi play Red Arrows, who are fighting for a continental place.