CHIPEPO’S ERA STARTS WITH A DRAW

27 Nov CHIPEPO’S ERA STARTS WITH A DRAW

The Mwenya Chipepo era at Forest Rangers on Saturday started on a stalemate note after the Ndola outfit fought to a 1-all draw with Konkola Blades in Chililabombwe.

Chipepo, who was unveiled as Forest coach last week, took charge of his first game at Konkola Stadium, though  calling the shots from the terraces.

The former Power Dynamos trainer has replaced Ian Bakala who moved from Fole Malembe to Nkana a few months ago.

After the departure of Bakala, assistant coach Kennedy Kashobondo was acting head coach but he has since left the club.

Blades took the lead in the ninth minute through Christian Mpoyi’s header as the home side gave new coach Beston Chambeshi a dream start.

However,Nigerian Quadri Kola ensured Chipepo’ reign did not start on a losing note by leveling matters on 51 minutes.

In search of the winner, Chipepo rested Moro Amenu, Quadri Kola and Lazarous Chishimba for Benson Kolala, Eric Chomba and Obed Masumbuko but to no avail.

Despite not marking his regime with a win, Chipepo insists the team has to work on a few areas, among them is the striking department.

“It was a tough game, Konkola Blades they have a very experienced coach and this was his first game. We were expecting a very tough game. They played good football but we made a mistake in the first half but at least I am happy the guys fought and we equalized and a point away from home is better than nothing,” he said.

Chipepo said his technical bench will work towards sharpening the striking force ahead of the visit of Power this weekend.

“We are still working and we still have room for improvement, so we are looking forward to the next game…we have to work on every area, scoring has been a problem and today we saw what happened, we missed a number of chances, so next week since we will be playing at home, we need to work very hard especially with our strikers,” he said.

Forest will welcome Power Dynamos at Dola Hill Stadium and Chipepo has set his target on bagging maximum points.

“We just have to win [against Power],” he said.

FOREST RANGERS WEEK 13 STARTING XI :

Daniel Mutshinemu , Leonard Makonga, Dieugo Apanane, Cedric Djeugoue (C) , Chitoshi Chinga , Jackson Chirwa , Tiki Chiluba (Obed Masumbuko 86′ ) , Quadri Kola (Eric Chomba 68 ‘) , Moro Amenu (Benson Kolala 59′) , Moyela Libamba, Lazarous Chishimba (Felix Banda 86’)