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Adrian Chama’s first half goal was the difference as Green Buffaloes defeated Zanaco 1 – 0 in the first semi final
Adrian Chama’s first half goal was the difference as Green Buffaloes defeated Zanaco 1 – 0 in the first semi final of the 2016 Samuel Zoom Ndhlovu Charity Shield played at Nkoloma Stadium on Saturday.
The victory meant that Green Buffaloes extended their unbeaten run to six matches, their last defeat coming against Red Arrows in a league match played on October 7, 2015.
With chances far and wide in the opening exchanges, it was Zanaco who were the first to show intent in the 11th minute when Rodric Kabwe floated a free kick into the area and missed the target by inches.
Zanaco’s second chance fell to Fackson Kapumbu in the 23rd minute when he got to the end of Kabwe’s cross from the right flank but his close range effort was saved by Kaumbwa in goal for Green Buffaloes.
For Green Buffaloes, Adrian Chama came close to breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute when he fired in a free kick at the top of Zanaco’s area only for Racha Kola to tip the ball over for a corner.
Five minutes later Chama got his name on the score sheet, defelecting Friday Samu’s header into the roof of the net with his knee following a corner delivered by Christopher Katongo.
Zanaco had a great chance to level matters at the stroke of half time but George Chilufya failed to take advantage of poor defending from Green Buffaloes and instead his free header from inside the box sailed over the crossbar.
In the early exchanges of the second half Zanaco withdrew Aubrey Funga, Isaac Chansa and Rodric Kabwe, replacing them with Dave Daka, Boyd Musonda and Augustine Mulenga as they looked for an equaliser but Green Buffaloes were resolute and held on to their lead until the final whitsle.
Green Buffaloes will play the winner of the second semi final between Zesco United and Power Dynamos in the final scheduled for Wednedsay, March 9 at a yet to be named venue.
FAZ