22 Aug FOREST RANGERS KICK OFF THE SEASON WITH A VICTORY
Forest Rangers Football Club kicked off the 2023/24 season with a 1-0 victory against the Numba Mumamba coached side Kabwe Warriors.
A Lazarous Chishimba cracker of a goal in the 70th minute was enough to secure the home team all 3 points in the match.
The Ian Bakala coached side traded carefully in the first quarter of the match to ensure they didn’t concede.
Kabwe Warriors in the 23rd minute had a freekick taken by Ocean Mushirem which had Daniel Daniel Mutshinemu stretching to full capacity to clear.
Libamba finally found the back of the net from an Eric Chomba cross in the 43rd minute but the goal was disallowed by center referee Tryson Mwape, due to what was perceived infringement.
But that did not deter the Charity Shield champions as the game went into the break goaless.
At the hour mark, Warriors had their best chance from another freekick which went over the wall but Mutshinemu was alert and determined to get a clean sheet in is opening match with an incredible save.
10 minutes later, with a quick exchange of passes from Chirwa to Kola who’s cross was met with a beautiful strike from the right by Chishimba, caught Scott Ngokene off guard and convincingly put Forest Rangers in the lead.
Quadri Kola was immediately Substituted for Forward Moro Amenu after landing on his shoulder.
Another forced Substitute was made after new signing Felix Banda had a minor knock, he was replaced with Defender Gerald Simusokwe in the 75th minute.
The 81st minute saw another opening for Warriors, but the ball was easily punched out by Mutshinemu denying them the equalizer.
At the end of the 90 minutes, 4th official Gloria Shabuba raised the board for 7 minutes additional time.
In the 7 added minutes , Warriors created two chances but both were denied by a Forest side that desperately wanted to win infront of their home fans.
In a post match interview, Coach Ian Bakala said he was happy the team fought to get a victory in their opening Match.
“The first game is always difficult. And I have Coached Kabwe Warriors before so I knew it was going to be a tough match.”
“Coming to the game itself, they were so many positives and when it comes to the few mistakes, which are always there, we hope we can keep improving with each game that comes and hoping to fight for the championship”
Week 2 of the MTN Super League will see Forest Rangers facing a vengeful Zanaco side at Sunset Stadium, having lost both Home and Away to Malembe last season.
Forest Rangers Week 1 Starting XI:
Daniel Mutshinemu , Leonard Makonga, Dieugo Apanane , Cedric Djeugoue (Captain) , Chitoshi Chinga , Jackson Chirwa , Quadri Kola , Moro Amenu (72′), Felix Banda, Gerald Simusokwe (75′), Moyela Libamba, Lazarous Chishimba, Eric Chomba
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