High Stakes: Nkana and Power Dynamos Clash in the Kitwe Derby Showdown
- Mike Johnshon
- 10 Nov, 2023
The eagerly awaited Kitwe Derby will take center stage in this weekend's MTN Super League fixtures as Nkana FC, facing difficulties, hosts defending champions Power Dynamos at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday.
The game will be played 360 kilometers away from the usual home ground of both teams. Last season's crowd trouble led to Nkana being prohibited from using their regular venue for some matches.
Following this match, Nkana will return to Chilata but will play without fans for the next three months.
Nkana has struggled this season, securing only two victories in their 11 league matches. However, they have shown signs of improvement with wins in their last three games.
Coach Ian Bakala, who took over from Beston Chambeshi this season, has faced challenges and has occasionally questioned the mindset of his players. Sunday's match provides an opportunity for the team to prove him wrong.
In their most recent victory on Wednesday against Konkola Blades, Royd Katuta scored a decisive 93rd-minute winner.
Power Dynamos, on the other hand, has been unable to replicate their last season's form that earned them a seventh domestic title.
They currently stand sixth in the league, trailing leaders Kabwe Warriors by four points, with only one win in their last five games.
Although Dynamos have been prolific in scoring with 14 goals, they have struggled defensively, conceding 10 goals.
They have had difficulty winning away matches, securing three draws and two losses in their five road games.
In contrast, Nkana has yet to win in front of their home fans, with the same record in their five fixtures at their designated home venue this season.
Dynamos have dominated the recent matchups between the two teams, winning the last three meetings and holding the upper hand in the 29 previous league games over the past 15 years. They have secured 15 wins, compared to Nkana's eight wins and six draws.
In other weekend matches, league leaders Kabwe Warriors aim to bounce back from a midweek defeat as they host Green Eagles on Saturday. Second-placed FC Muza will welcome Konkola Blades.
Additional fixtures include Red Arrows hosting Green Buffaloes, Zesco United facing Mutondo Stars, Zanaco welcoming Kansanshi Dynamos, Nkwazi traveling to Forest Rangers, and bottom-placed Trident hosting Prison Leopards. Finally, Mufulira Wanderers and Napsa Stars are set to clash on Sunday.
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