Kansanshi Dynamos Football Club launched their 2024/25 National League campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ndola United FC at the Musa Kasonka Stadium in Ndola this afternoon. The Mabanga Boys showed they mean business this season, delivering a performance that was both resilient and clinical.
From the first whistle, Kansanshi Dynamos set the tone, with Dave Daka nearly opening the scoring in the ninth minute, only for his shot to sail narrowly over the crossbar. Daka continued to torment the Ndola United defense, and in the 13th minute, his powerful strike forced the goalkeeper into a crucial save, earning KDFC a corner kick.
Tensions rose in the 18th minute when Marcel Kalonda received the season’s first yellow card after a heavy challenge on Brighton. But it was debutant Tranquiling Mwepu who stole the spotlight in the 22nd minute, finding the back of the net with a shot that took a fortunate deflection off a Ndola United defender. Mwepu’s goal gave Kansanshi Dynamos a deserved lead and marked the beginning of what would be a tough afternoon for the hosts.
Ndola United attempted to respond with a long-range effort from Saviour Kunda in the 28th minute, but the shot lacked accuracy and drifted wide. They came close again in the 41st minute with a counter-attack, but Rodgers Lukonde’s quick reactions denied them an equalizer.
The second half saw Kansanshi Dynamos maintain their defensive discipline, with few clear chances for either side until the 72nd minute. Ndola United were awarded a penalty after Marcel Kalonda’s foul, but Gregory Sanjase, KDFC’s reliable goalkeeper, rose to the occasion. Sanjase saved the initial spot-kick, and despite the linesman ordering a retake, Brighton Kalunga couldn’t convert, squandering Ndola United’s best chance of the match.
With the momentum firmly on their side, Kansanshi Dynamos sealed the victory in the 84th minute, when Dalitso Lungu slotted home the second goal, ensuring all three points would travel back to Solwezi.
Head coach Zeddy Saileti couldn’t hide his delight after the final whistle. “I am very excited because the players played according to instructions. It’s not an easy stadium, and the boys accounted for themselves very well,” Saileti said. He emphasized the importance of starting the season with a win, highlighting that it will build momentum as they prepare for their next match against Prison Leopards at Independence Stadium in Solwezi
