Nkana FC Seeks First Win of the Season Against Zesco United
Nkana FC, popularly known as Kalampa, is determined to secure their first victory of the 2024/25 league season as they host Zesco United in Wusakile, Kitwe, on Sunday. After drawing their first two matches, the Mopani-funded squad is eager to turn their fortunes around and earn maximum points against the Ndola side.
Currently sitting 12th on the table with just two points from two games, Nkana’s start to the season has been below their usual high standards. The task ahead is not easy, as they face a Zesco United side that caused them difficulties last season—Nkana managed only one point from the possible six against them.
Zesco United, on the other hand, are yet to kick off their domestic league campaign due to their continental engagements. They currently occupy the 18th spot on the table without any points. The Ndola giants are coming off a goalless draw against Dynamos of Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup played in Ndola, a result that reflects their current struggles in finding the back of the net.
Nkana’s first assistant coach, Dennis Makinka, will be at the helm in the absence of head coach Ian Bakala, who is on national duty with the U17 team. Makinka is counting on his star forwards Idris Ilunga Mbombo, Erick Ettiene, and Christopher Itaka to display clinical finishing, especially after missing key chances in their recent match against Mutondo Stars.
Adding to Nkana’s attacking options is striker Lazarus Kambole, who rejoined the squad this week and is set to face his former club Zesco United. Makinka has been optimistic ahead of the clash, noting the return of Austine Banda and Makabaniso Magenge, both of whom missed the previous game due to illness.
“Everyone is back in training. Those who were sick are back and in contention to make the squad for the game. We have prepared well, and we have worked on the areas where we thought we were lacking. So, we expect a good game tomorrow,” Makinka said in a pre-match interview.
Makinka also urged Nkana supporters to continue rallying behind the team, emphasizing the importance of their support in lifting the players’ spirits. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on Nkana as a big club but called for patience as the team strives to get back on track.
“The way it is, when they are supporting the boys, their spirits are fired up. I think I would like to urge the supporters to be also a bit patient with us. I know we are a very big club, and we are supposed to be picking points. Nevertheless, we need them also to be behind us, to push us even more, for us to deliver. However, we promised them a good game this Sunday. They will see a different game,” he said.
The last encounter between Nkana and Zesco United ended in a stalemate in Kitwe in March. This upcoming match will mark the 30th league meeting between the two sides since 2008. Historically, Zesco United has had the upper hand, with 15 wins compared to Nkana’s seven, alongside seven draws.
A win on Sunday would elevate Nkana to five points and provide a crucial morale boost, especially with a game in hand against NAPSA Stars. As both teams look to exploit their strengths, this fixture promises to be an engaging battle with significant implications for the standings.
Head-to-Head: Nkana vs. Zesco United Since 2008
- 2024: Nkana 0-0 Zesco United
- 2024: Zesco United 3-1 Nkana
- 2023: Zesco United 1-0 Nkana
- 2023: Nkana 1-0 Zesco United
- 2022: Zesco United 2-1 Nkana
- 2022: Nkana 1-0 Zesco United
- 2021: Zesco United 0-1 Nkana
- 2021: Nkana 1-2 Zesco United
- 2019: Nkana 1-0 Zesco United
- 2018: Zesco United 0-3 Nkana
- 2018: Nkana 0-1 Zesco United
- 2017: Zesco United 0-1 Nkana
- 2017: Nkana 2-2 Zesco United
- 2016: Nkana 0-1 Zesco United
- 2016: Zesco United 2-3 Nkana
- 2015: Zesco United 5-3 Nkana
- 2015: Nkana 0-0 Zesco United
- 2013: Zesco United 3-0 Nkana
- 2013: Nkana 0-1 Zesco United
- 2014: Nkana 0-0 Zesco United
- 2014: Zesco United 3-1 Nkana
- 2012: Zesco United 1-0 Nkana
- 2012: Nkana 2-2 Zesco United
- 2011: Nkana 2-3 Zesco United
- 2011: Zesco United 2-1 Nkana
- 2010: Nkana 0-0 Zesco United
- 2010: Zesco United 0-0 Nkana
- 2008: Nkana 0-2 Zesco United
- 2008: Zesco United 2-0 Nkana
With both teams vying to exploit each other’s weaknesses, Sunday’s match is set to be a gripping encounter.
