Nkana rally to reach 2018 Charity Shield final

Nkana came back to stun Zanaco 2-1 to reach the 2018 Charity Shield final.

It was the second successive time that Zanaco had failed to beat Nkana in the Charity Shield at the same stage after The Bankers were beaten 3-0 by the record 15-time winners in last year’s edition.

Nkana’s win is also a big boost for them as they fly out to Algeria today ahead of their 2018 CAF Confederation Cup first round, first leg away date against CR Belouizdad on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a second string Zanaco went ahead in the 7th minute through striker Maisha Chavda.

Zanaco coach Mumamba Numba rested his entire starting XI that played in the 3-1 away win over Gambia Armed Forces FC in the 2018 CAF Champions League on February 24.

Only four substitutes, including Chavda, from that game in Banjul faced Nkana as Numba rested his players for next Wednesday’s CAF Champions League pre-group stage home date against Mbabane Swallows at the same venue.

And in the Nkana camp, the only notable player rested for the semifinal was Walter Bwalya while Idris Mbombo and Ronald Kampamba started the match from the bench.

New signing Festus Mbewe equalized in the 57th minute to open his account since returning to Nkana on loan from Red Arrows for the 2018 season.

Mbombo, who came on four minutes before Mbewe’s equalizer, sealed the win in the 85th minute.

Nkana will now face either Napsa Stars or defending champions Zesco United in the final set for March 10 at Nkoloma.

Zesco and Napsa play in the other semi-final on March 3 at Nkoloma.