Zanaco’s Struggles Continue: Can They Bounce Back Against Lumwana Radiants?

Zanaco FC’s season has taken a worrying turn, with four defeats in their last six matches. Despite some positive performances, their inconsistency has left them in 17th place with 23 points from 24 games, firmly in the relegation zone. The absence of head coach Numba Mumamba on the touchline, as he is yet to be cleared by Kabwe Warriors, has further complicated matters.

As they prepare to face Lumwana Radiants at home in Week 25, this fixture presents a vital chance to reignite their survival hopes. But before looking ahead, here’s a detailed breakdown of their last six matches.

Week 24: Kabwe Warriors 1-0 Zanaco

Zanaco’s most recent outing ended in a 1-0 defeat to Kabwe Warriors at the Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium. The game was heading towards a goalless draw until Simon Tonga broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute, scoring a late winner for Warriors.

Zanaco showed defensive resilience for most of the game, but their failure to create chances in attack proved costly. Once again, their struggles in front of goal highlighted the challenges they have faced throughout the season.

Week 23: Zanaco 0-2 FC MUZA

Back at Sunset Stadium, Zanaco fell to FC MUZA in a 2-0 defeat, suffering another frustrating home loss.

MUZA started strongly, taking the lead in just the 6th minute through Emmanuel Habasimbi, before Biston Banda doubled the advantage in the 14th minute. Zanaco never truly recovered, failing to create meaningful chances.

With another three points dropped at home, pressure continued to mount on the team, as their relegation fears deepened.

Week 22: Power Dynamos 4-0 Zanaco

A trip to Arthur Davies Stadium resulted in Zanaco’s heaviest defeat in recent games, as they were completely outclassed by defending champions Power Dynamos in a 4-0 thrashing.

Power opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Chifundo Mphasi, and things went from bad to worse when Kelvin Kapumbu scored an own goal in the 52nd minute. Further goals from John Soko (71’) and Brian Masanyinga (76’) sealed a dominant victory for the hosts.

This performance exposed Zanaco’s defensive frailties, as they struggled to cope with Power Dynamos’ attacking threat.

Week 21: Zanaco 4-1 Green Buffaloes

One of the few bright spots for Zanaco came in Week 21, when they secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Green Buffaloes at Sunset Stadium.

Zanaco started fast, taking the lead in the 4th minute through Araina Lambert. Despite Lucky Bwalya equalizing from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute, Zanaco responded brilliantly. Wilson Chisala stole the show, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the 42nd, 68th, and 90th minutes, leading his team to a crucial win.

At the time, this victory offered hope for a turnaround, but their inconsistency resurfaced in the following matches.

Week 20: Atlético Lusaka 0-2 Zanaco

Another solid performance saw Zanaco beat Atlético Lusaka 2-0 away from home, securing an important three points.

Saviour Phiri was the hero, scoring both goals in the 20th and 31st minutes to give Zanaco a comfortable lead before halftime. The team managed the game well, keeping a clean sheet and controlling possession.

This victory briefly lifted spirits, but it was followed by another difficult spell of losses.

Week 19: Forest Rangers 2-0 Zanaco

Zanaco’s struggles started in Week 19, when they fell 2-0 to Forest Rangers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Forest took the lead in the 25th minute through Quadri Kola’s penalty, before Benson Kolala sealed the win in the 81st minute. Zanaco looked sluggish and failed to respond after going behind early.

This defeat marked the beginning of their poor run, and since then, results have not improved.

League Position & Relegation Battle

Following these results, Zanaco sits in 17th place with 23 points from 24 games, firmly in the relegation zone. They are currently four points away from safety, and with just 10 games left in the season, time is running out.

Zanaco must find consistency fast if they are to avoid a shock relegation from the MTN Super League. Their next match will be a must-win encounter.

Next Match: Zanaco vs Lumwana Radiants (Week 25)

Zanaco will have another chance to pick up vital points at home when they face Lumwana Radiants at Sunset Stadium in Week 25.

Lumwana Radiants, currently 12th with 27 points, will not be an easy opponent. They are also battling to stay away from the relegation fight, meaning this match will be a crucial showdown for both teams.

For Zanaco, anything less than a win could push them closer to the drop zone. With pressure mounting, will they step up and deliver a much-needed victory?

Conclusion

Zanaco’s poor form has put them in a difficult situation, with only two wins in their last six matches. Despite their victories against Green Buffaloes and Atlético Lusaka, their defeats against Power Dynamos, FC MUZA, Kabwe Warriors, and Forest Rangers have left them in serious trouble.

With 10 games left in the season, their next fixture against Lumwana Radiants is a must-win. If Zanaco fails to collect three points, relegation could become a harsh reality.

Can the Bankers rediscover their winning touch, or will their struggles continue?