FOREST DROP POINTS IN THE DYING MINUTES

Forest Rangers Football Club dropped points in the dying minutes of the game at Nkana stadium as they faced a Nkana side that hasn’t won a match in their last five fixtures.

Coming into this match, Forest Rangers was looking to make it two out of two, after beating Nchanga Rangers 1-0 and securing their first home win at trade fair last week.

Forest Rangers has lacked consistency in the last two seasons, not being able to win two games in a roll, something Coach Ian Bakala said he is currently working on, ‘’We just need to change their mindset, because we have a good team and good players individually” he said in a post-match interview.

In the first half of the game, it was Nkana who looked more lethal in front of goal after they got the first corner of the game in the 4^th minute and a good cross from Mukombozi, which was saved by Allan Chibwe. Three minutes later, Forest got their chance as well and Mangani came to Nkana’s aid.

Nkana kept the pressure on Forest in the first half but they missed one two many chances. Another notable chance for the home side was a good throw in which slipped Allan Chibwe’s hands but Apanane was right behind him to clear it off the line. Just after that clearance, Nkana had another corner which was punched out by Allan but not entirely out, Ngongo on the other end crossed it to Lemisa who was in the box and missed a clear chance to head it in and give Nkana the lead.

The same half, provided Forest with a golden opportunity just before half time from a corner that was taken by Clifford, targeted at Peter Mwaangani who missed the near post.

After the break, five minutes into the second half, Forest took the lead with a near post tap in by the Veteran Clifford Mulenga from a Kola header which saw him getting his first goal of the season.

Malembe continued to dominate the match with Clifford taking shots at goal but Mangani was well positioned. It was in the 88^th minute of the game, that the Forest Rangers defense were caught napping and a header from Kamusoko gave Nkana the equalizer they needed to settle the fans and hope for a win.

A point from Nkana sees Forest Rangers dropping to 4^th on the log after 8 games played.

In a post match interview Coach Ian expressed how disappointed he was in the result because the team conceded in the last 5 minutes of the game. But he added a point away from home will work for us in the future.

Bakala also mentioned he tried to give some players a chance to play but they didn’t come to the party, “We tried to give some players a chance to play but they didn’t come to the party and some players could be fatigued owing to the fact that they have played 8 game consistently. But a point away from home is important for us we just have to stay focused on the next game.”

Forest remains unbeaten after 8 games. Their next opponents will be MUZA in Mazabuka, Southern Province on Saturday the 22^nd October,2022.

Forest Rangers Full Squad:

Allan Chibwe, Leonard Makonga, Apanane Dieugo, Djeugoue Cedric, Chitoshi Chinga, Malambo Shadreck, Quadri Kola, Mwaangani Peter, Robson Phiri (Gozon Mutale 55’), Mpho Mathekgane (Lazaour Chishimba 70’), Clifford Mulenga (Eric Chombo 83’)