18 Dec FOREST FEEL AT HOME PA MPANGA
Dola Hill Stadium is slowly getting back to being known as Forest Rangers’ Fortress after the Ndola side recorded their second successive home victory against Green Buffaloes.
Under Mwenya Chipepo-led technical bench, Forest have now won back-to-back home matches against Power Dynamos 1-0 and Buffaloes 2-0 last Saturday.
As anticipated the first half was an intense encounter with both sides trying to break the deadlock but to no avail.
With goals eluding the two sides, Forest made a tactical change at half time which saw Moro Amenu replacing Robson Phiri.
Amenu made an instant impact as five minutes after coming on he broke the deadlock.
The super substitute unleashed a powerful shot giving Chipolopolo goalkeeper Francis Mwansa no chance.
Before the Malembe fans could finish celebrating the opener, Nigerian Kola Quadri headed in a Lazarous Chishimba cross to double the lead.
Buffaloes could not believe what had hit them but tried to pull one back with an attempt from Golden Mashata which was perfectly saved by Daniel Mutshinemu.
Despite enjoying a two-goal lead,Malembe did not sit back to defend but instead continued pushing for more goals.
Chipepo introduced two more attack minded players in Obed Masumboko and Felix Banda for Chishimba and Kola on 58 and 85 minutes respectively.
In the end, the Forest backline held firm at the back to ensure the team kept a clean sheet in a match that saw Malembe welcome their latest addition to the technical bench in physical trainer Christopher Katongo.
Katongo, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winning skipper has replaced another AfCON winner Francis Kasonde.
The victory was a perfect way to sign off from Dola Hill Stadium as the Buffaloes game was the final home fixture this year.
With a game to go before the ABSA Cup slots are decided, Chipepo said the three points were important in their chase for Absa but if the team fail to qualify they will shift their attention to finishing either first or second on the log.
“We are very happy we won, this is the second victory at home and it was important that we pick up three points to increase our chances of qualifying.”
“If we miss ABSA there is still the league or qualifying for continental but what we are happy about is that the team is improving in every game,” he said.
Leaders Zesco United have already sealed their fate in the ABSA Cup having amassed 32 points at the summit while the rest of the five slots will be filled this weekend.
Forest are the current ABSA Cup holders.
With or without ABSA Cup, Chipepo is slowly putting up a team he wants to work with to get him to the top
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