Nkana Edge Mufulira Wanderers to Claim Mopani Derby Bragging Rights
Nkana FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mufulira Wanderers in the Mopani Derby on Sunday at Nkana Stadium. Congolese striker Idris Mbombo scored the decisive goal in the 31st minute, ensuring that Kalampa completed a season double over their fierce rivals. The win was crucial for Nkana, who were looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Nchanga Rangers in their previous league match.
A Tough Derby Battle
Speaking after the match, Nkana head coach Mwenya Chipepo acknowledged the resilience of Mufulira Wanderers, emphasizing that it was never an easy fixture.
“We are very happy as a technical bench winning at home, though it was a very difficult game. Mufulira Wanderers played well, what we needed was to just pick the three points,” Chipepo said.
Despite Wanderers’ strong challenge, Nkana managed to hold on to their lead, securing a third consecutive Mopani Derby victory over their old rivals. The win further solidified their dominance in recent meetings, showing their ability to perform under pressure in crucial encounters.
Nkana’s Strong Response After Nchanga Defeat
The victory was particularly important for Kalampa, who were under pressure after their previous league defeat to Nchanga Rangers. Chipepo admitted that bouncing back with a win was essential, as every game has become more difficult due to Nkana’s reputation for playing high-quality football.
“Last week we lost against Nchanga Rangers. Winning this game was very important. We keep on fighting hard because every game we are playing is very difficult because teams know that we play good football,” Chipepo explained.
With the win, Nkana has not only boosted their league position but also reinforced their standing as one of the toughest teams in the league. Their ability to grind out results, especially in high-pressure matches like the Mopani Derby, will be key as the season progresses.
What’s Next for Nkana?
With momentum back on their side, Nkana will now shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, aiming to maintain consistency and climb higher in the league standings. Mufulira Wanderers, on the other hand, will look to recover from this setback and improve their performances in the remaining games of the season.
