In a thrilling encounter at the Reiz Arena, Napsa Stars drew 0-0 with Mutondo Stars in their final league match, showcasing a high level of intensity and skill.
The visitors, Mutondo Stars, started strong, putting pressure on Napsa’s defense in the first 15 minutes. Goalkeeper Charles Lawu made several crucial saves, keeping his team in the game.
As the match progressed, Napsa Stars began to assert their dominance, launching attacks and creating scoring opportunities. However, their shots often sailed over the bar, and the teams went into halftime with the scoreline still at 0-0.
At halftime, Coach Sipho Mumbi made tactical changes, introducing Simon Nkhata for captain Dickson Chapa. Nkhata, paired with Rally Bwalya and Daniel Adoko, took control of the midfield, causing problems for Mutondo Stars.
Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Napsa Stars failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 82nd minute when left-back Zachariah Chilongoshi received a red card for a foul on Mutondo Stars’ Richmond Adongo. Napsa Stars were forced to play with 10 men for the remaining minutes. Despite being a man down, they continued to push forward, but Mutondo Stars’ defense held firm.
After the match, Coach Sipho Mumbi expressed frustration at his team’s inability to convert their chances into goals. “Going forward, it’s something we have taken note of. We hope to work on these things, and next season will be different.”
Mumbi also thanked the supporters for their unwavering support throughout the season. “It’s not been easy, but we hope to make them proud in the next season.”
The draw marked the end of the league campaign for Napsa Stars, who finished in 9th position with 44 points on the Zambian Premier League table. Despite the stalemate, there were moments of brilliance on display, and the team will look to build on these positives as they prepare for the next campaign.
As the final whistle blew, the players and coaching staff reflected on the season’s highs and lows. The team will now focus on regrouping and improving for the next season, with the aim of climbing up the table and achieving better results.