26 Dec FOREST ENDS FIRST ROUND WITH A DRAW
Forest wrapped up the first half of the season on a stalemate note after Kansanshi Dynamos held them in an intense game at Nchanga Stadium.
Going into the game, Malembe knew their chances of defending the ABSA Cup were over but still had the league to fight for.
The match started off with an early chance for the home side which resulted in a corner and the visitors responded immediately with Obed Masumbuko’s shot outside the box, which was saved by Gregory Sanjase four minutes into the game.
Malembe had a good chance on 28 minutes when Diuego Apanane directed his cross at Moyela Libamba but the ball eluded him and went to Quadri Kola, who was a few seconds late allowing Sanjase to make a save.
Kansanshi nearly took the lead at the half hour mark but Rodgers Lukonde’s header missed the target by inches.
A few minutes later, Lukonde failed to connect a ball from Justin Kangombe into an empty net.
In search of the opener, Malembe made a double change at half time, with Moro Amenu and Felix Banda replacing Obed Masumbuko and Jack Chirwa.
Goalkeeper Daniel Mutshinemu was called to duty on 70 minutes, pulling a fine save after Jimmy Mukeya and Kangombe tore the Forest defence apart.
The two continued looking for goals but could not find the back of the net for them to share spoils.
Coach Mwenya Chipepo said In Post-match interview that he was very disappointed that his side failed to qualify for the ABSA Cup but was happy they snatched a point.
“As defending champions, we are very disappointed we failed to qualify for the ABSA Cup and I am sure the fans are disappointed as well but we still have the league to fight for so we will shift our focus to the league now,” he said.
Chipepo said Forest will reinforce the team in certain departments ahead of the January transfer window in order to achieve their targets.
Forest will start the second half of the season with a tie against Kabwe Warriors this weekend.
Malembe ended the first round on ninth position with 23 points.
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