Green Eagles 3-3 Zanaco FC: A Six-Goal Thriller in Choma
Green Eagles and Zanaco FC treated fans to a pulsating 3-3 draw in a Week 14 fixture of the MTN Super League at the Independence Stadium in Choma. The high-octane match was a showcase of end-to-end football, with both teams displaying attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities.
The home side struck first through Simon Mulenga, who calmly converted a penalty in the 14th minute. Eagles extended their lead early in the second half, courtesy of H. Silwimba’s fine finish in the 54th minute. Mulenga completed his brace in the 75th minute with a clinical strike, seemingly putting the game beyond Zanaco’s reach.
However, the visitors had other plans. Zanaco’s star man, L. Araina, orchestrated an incredible comeback with a superb hat-trick. Araina first pulled one back in the 53rd minute, followed by a precise effort in the 70th minute to level the game at 2-2. In the 86th minute, Araina completed his hat-trick, ensuring Zanaco left Choma with a hard-fought point.
This game highlighted both teams’ attacking strengths but also exposed defensive issues that need immediate addressing. Green Eagles showed their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially with Simon Mulenga’s composed finishing. However, their inability to hold onto a two-goal lead raises questions about their defensive organization, particularly in dealing with Zanaco’s counter-attacks.
For Zanaco, the result underscores their fighting spirit and reliance on individual brilliance, particularly from L. Araina. While his hat-trick is a testament to his attacking prowess, the team’s defensive lapses continue to haunt them. Zanaco’s poor positioning at the back allowed Green Eagles to dominate early phases of the game.
The draw left Green Eagles in 4th place on the league table with 24 points, consolidating their push for a CAF Confederation Cup spot. Zanaco, meanwhile, remain stuck in the relegation zone in 15th place with 14 points. Despite their spirited performance, their winless streak continues, further complicating their survival hopes this season.
