NAPSA Stars clinched a triumphant 2-1 victory against Green Buffaloes, marking their comeback in the MTN Super League’s week 19 clash at the Reiz Arena.
The match had a buzz of excitement owing to the rivalry between Napsa Stars’ coach Perry Mutapa and Green Buffaloes’ manager Masautso Tembo, both with a shared history. However, this time, they were in direct competition, each aiming to outshine the other with their strategic plans.
Right from the kickoff, the game unfolded at a rapid pace, with both teams displaying immense ambition to break the deadlock early on.
NAPSA Stars showcased swift play, with Boster Siyoma’s dribbles setting up Zachariah Chilongoshi for a spectacular strike in the 10th minute, testing Green Buffaloes’ goalkeeper, Clement Kasongo.
Shortly after, a swift move initiated by NAPSA Stars’ goalkeeper Rabson Muchelenganga found Pinoki Pastheli, who swiftly passed to Musonda Kapembwa, breaking the stalemate with a chipped strike to make it 1-0.
However, Green Buffaloes retaliated swiftly as John Kosamu capitalized on an iconic free-kick from goalkeeper Clement Kasongo, leveling the score to 1-1 just before the halftime whistle.
NAPSA Stars emerged from the break with renewed vigor, quickly taking the lead at the start of the second half with a precise strike by Pinoki Vuvu Pastheli, making it 2-1.
This result mirrored the 2-1 scoreline from their previous encounter, where Green Buffaloes had emerged victorious, courtesy of Pastheli’s penalty spot goal.
David Odhiambo and Zachariah Chilongoshi stood out in the game’s spectacular moments, earning them the MTN Super League and Kumbi Investment Limited Man of the Match awards, respectively.
In a post-match interview, NAPSA Stars’ coach Mutapa commended his team’s determination and urged them to maintain the same energy in the upcoming games.
Meanwhile, Green Buffaloes’ coach Tembo acknowledged the difficulty of winning away games but praised his team for their performance against their opponents.
The win propelled NAPSA Stars out of the relegation zone, placing them 13th on the standings with 22 points, just a point behind Green Buffaloes at 12th.
The focus for the pensioners now shifts to their next away fixture against Kansanshi Dynamos.
