TC’S DATE WITH EX ENDS IN DEFEAT

Forest Rangers knew this day would come when she would have to face one of her exes and most likely dine with them, that date was set and it was last Saturday at Trade Fair Grounds.

Forest beat Nkwazi 1-0 in a MTN Super League Week 12 match to secure their third home win of the season.

Forest’s ex (Tenant Chilumba), traveled with company from Lusaka to Ndola for a date at Trade Fair Grounds.

However, to Forest’s surprise, after traveling all the way her exe,TC as Chilumba is fondly known, said he couldn’t sit at the same table with her, as he was unwell but he would watch from a distance as she dined with the rest of his company.

So Forest stepped out with her new man, coach Ian Bakala and company as she waited for Nkwazi to join them for the 90 minute date.

Four waiters (match officials) walked them out, in referee Issa Machher, first assistant Kebby Phiri, second assistant Lucky Chilufya and fourth official Elvis Mbasela.

The time to dine came with the waiter (Macher) executing his work diligently on the pitch.

In the opening stages, Forest threatened with three shots fired straight at Nkwazi keeper Charles Muntanga.

Forest dominated the entire first half and their efforts paid off in the 33rd minute when Dieugo Apanane’s cross was met by a Moyela Libamba’s powerful header beating Muntanga to put the home side in the driving seat.

In the second half, one of her exe’s representatives, Pride Mwansa took a shot at goal but goalkeeper Daniel Mutshinemu (who was playing for the first time this season) and was sent flying to parry it away.

Nkwazi’s clearest chance came on the hour mark as Andrew Mupande blasted a long range shot at Mutshinemu and the keeper pulled a double save, denying him on both the initial effort and rebound.

Moyela had another chance at goal from a Clifford Mulenga free kick but it bounced over the roof of the net in the 65 th minute.

From there onwards it was all Nkwazi as they pushed for the equalizer.

Mutshinemu and the entire team were determined to protect their lead and remained resolute to get the three points.

In the end, Forest seemed to have frustrated TC’s men and perhaps it is understood why he opted not to sit on the bench but instead watch from the terraces.

Assistant coaches Billy Mwanza and Keagan Phiri were issuing instructions to Nkwazi players in the absence of TC.

TC, who coached Forest between December 2019 and May 2021, will be looking to serve his revenge cold in the reverse fixture.

Forest’s next engagement is away to Lumwana Radiants on Wednesday in Lumwana as they hope to continue with this good form and hopefully for the first time record back to back wins.