Nine-time Zambian champions ZESCO United remain without a victory in the 2026 MTN Super League Transitional Season after being held to a goalless draw by ten-man Mighty Mufulira Wanderers at Trade Fair Ground in Ndola on Sunday.
The result extended ZESCO United’s difficult start to the campaign, with the Ndola side still searching for their first win after opening the season with a draw against Kabwe Warriors before suffering defeat to Green Eagles, who currently lead Stream B with nine points.
Speaking after the match, ZESCO United head coach Mwenya Chipepo described the result as painful, expressing disappointment at failing to collect maximum points at home.
“It’s a very painful result, that we were playing at home. We wanted three points. I’m very disappointed,” Chipepo said.
The coach acknowledged that his team had created scoring opportunities and performed well in other areas of the pitch, but admitted that a lack of effectiveness in the final third continued to undermine their efforts.
“We are doing everything in the back, midfield, but when it comes to the final third, we are doing nothing there. But as a coach, we just have to continue and try to make a solution,” he said.
Chipepo also warned that ZESCO United cannot afford to continue dropping points, particularly in a transitional campaign featuring a shortened league schedule. He believes the team must improve quickly to avoid making the second round more difficult.
“This is a transition game [season]. We are only playing about 18 games. So if you don’t pick points in the first round, then it becomes very difficult for you to pick other points in the second round,” he said.
Despite the disappointing results, Chipepo maintained that his players have the ability to turn their fortunes around. He urged the squad to raise its intensity, work harder and translate its football into better results.
“The team just has to pull themselves up, because they are good players. They are playing good football, but they just have to work extra hard,” he said.
ZESCO United will now need to address their shortcomings in front of goal as they prepare for their next fixture, with Chipepo stressing that a stronger response is required if the nine-time champions are to get their transitional league campaign back on track.
