Zesco held by unbeaten Zanaco

Zanaco maintained their unbeaten start to the 2016 FAZ Super Division campaign after finishing 1-1 away to defending champions Zesco United.

Sundays lunchtime kick-off of the big top-three showdown at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola saw 2015 champions Zesco face last seasons’ runners-up Zanaco who are the only team yet to be beaten in the league this season.

Sunday’s result also denied Zesco the opportunity to pick up a second successive win after ending their four-match winless drought on May 18 with that 2-0 away victory over Nchanga Rangers.

Meanwhile, the two sides did not disappointment in this match-of-the-week producing end-to-end action especially in the first half.

Both goals came in the first 45 minutes that saw Zesco make a flying start but were denied in the opening 30 minutes by Zanaco’s inspire goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.

And it was Zanaco who took the lead in the 19th minute through Isaac Chansa who tapped-in the opener to score his third league goal of the campaign.

Zesco finally managed to breach Nsabata in 37th minute through midfielder Kondwani Mtonga who finished off his initial rebound that had come off the post.

Chansa was denied the chance to end the day with a brace in the 43rd minute when Zesco captain Ben Banh blocked his close-range shot.

After the break, Zesco were again on top but both sides failed to leave up to the quality of the first period.

However, Nsabata was again the busy man stealing the ball from Idris Mbombo’s feet in the 52nd minute and made a fantastic diving save in the 78th minute to keep out Maybin Mwaba’s header.

Zesco and Zanaco stay 2nd and 3rd on 22 and 21 points from eleven and nine games played respectively while Nkana are on 26 points.