Green Buffaloes Rally to Beat Nchanga Rangers in Chingola
Green Buffaloes Football Club produced a strong second-half comeback to defeat Nchanga Rangers Football Club 2–1 in a Week 25 Zambia Super League match played in Chingola.
The home side made a bright start and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Pepo Ifoni. Rangers had been pressing early in the game and were rewarded with the opener after sustained pressure on the Buffaloes defence.
However, Buffaloes coach Aggrey Chiyengi remained calm on the touchline despite questioning the circumstances around the goal. Chiyengi felt his goalkeeper had been pushed in the build-up but insisted his side would not dwell on the decision.
“The team played very well. Our plan was to make sure Nchanga does not score in the first 20 to 30 minutes. It was unfortunate that the goal was allowed when our goalkeeper was pushed, but this is football and we cannot blame the referees. It is part of the game,” Chiyengi said after the match.
Trailing 1–0 at the break, Buffaloes regrouped and returned for the second half with renewed determination.
Felix Jere drew the visitors level in the 49th minute before Nchanga defender Rodger Kumiyamba inadvertently turned the ball into his own net six minutes later, handing Buffaloes the lead.
Chiyengi revealed that the tactical adjustment made during halftime played a decisive role in the comeback. He noted that Rangers’ attacking approach left space behind their advancing fullbacks, which Buffaloes exploited effectively.
“At halftime I told my players where the loopholes were in the Nchanga team. They were attacking with their fullbacks pushing forward, so we decided to exploit the spaces they were leaving behind. That is exactly what we did,” he explained.
The Buffaloes coach also credited his team’s defensive structure, particularly the decision to deploy two holding midfielders, as a key element in controlling the match.
“I knew I was not coming to face a young coach who would not plan well. I expected them to be organised. Our approach was to defend well because I knew scoring would not be a problem if we stayed compact,” Chiyengi said. The victory was also dedicated to the club’s supporters who travelled from Lusaka to Chingola to cheer the team.
“This win is a lot of motivation for the players and encouragement to the supporters who travelled all the way from Lusaka. Giving them a win is a good reward,” he added.
The result sees Green Buffaloes claim an important away victory while Nchanga Rangers are left to reflect on missed opportunities after surrendering their early advantage.
