Kansanshi Dynamos reclaimed the men’s FQM Challenge bragging rights after edging Trident FC 1-0, with Clinton Lubula scoring the decisive goal in the second half to secure the trophy in the second edition of the fixture.
The contest was closely fought, but Kansanshi created the better opportunities before eventually finding the breakthrough. Trident goalkeeper Haveson Chingambo produced a number of important saves to keep his side in the contest, including an excellent stop to deny Willy Bokingo in the 13th minute.
Kansanshi continued to threaten, with Madinga seeing an effort blocked before Tolopa’s 37th-minute free-kick was turned behind. The hosts came closest to taking the lead before the interval when Bakodila met a corner, only to see his effort crash against the woodwork.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 64th minute. Lubula found space inside the box and produced the decisive finish to send the home supporters into celebration and give Kansanshi a 1-0 lead.
Trident pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Kansanshi remained disciplined defensively and successfully protected their advantage until the final whistle to reclaim the men’s FQM Challenge trophy.
For Kansanshi coach Dennis Makinka, the victory offered plenty of encouragement after only two weeks of working with the squad on a new tactical system.
“I want to commend the boys. For the short time that we’ve been working on our tactics, there were a lot of positives,” Makinka said.
The coach was particularly pleased with the intensity of his team’s pressing and their ability to respond immediately after losing possession.
“The pressing was there, the counter-pressing whenever we lost the ball. We didn’t give them time and space to have the ball.”
Despite the victory, Makinka acknowledged that his team still has areas to improve, particularly in front of goal.
“We missed a lot of chances, but I’m happy because we were able to create. The boys are understanding each other very well.”
Earlier in the day, Trident Queens claimed the women’s FQM Challenge trophy after defeating Kansanshi Queens 3-2 in an entertaining five-goal encounter.
While Trident secured the women’s honours, Kansanshi Dynamos ensured the men’s trophy and the bragging rights remained in Solwezi with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Kansanshi Dynamos 1-0 Trident FC.
