Nyirenda storms pitch

By ALEX NJOVU

RANGERS 2 ZANACO 1
 
ZANACO coach Wedson Nyirenda on April yesterday stormed the pitch to protest referee Bernard Chabala’s decision not to award a penalty after Henry Banda was hacked by Nchanga Rangers defender Gift Sakuwaha.
The incident happened in the 89th minute when Sakuwaha brought down Banda but the Mufulira-based Chabala waved play on, a decision that Nyirenda did not take kindly in this rescheduled Week One match at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.
With Zanaco players surrounding Chabala to question his action, Sakuwaha sent a long ball to substitute Kabwe Chileshe who placed the ball into the net with ease. Chileshe replaced Bornwell Mwape on 70 minutes.
After the goal, Nyirenda, a former Rangers striker, rushed on the pitch to join his players in protest.
It had to take the police and Zanaco assistant coach Kelvin Kaindu to take Nyirenda out of the pitch.
Immediately after Chabala blew the final whistle, Nyirenda followed him to the dressing room and the two exchanged bitter words but police and some Rangers officials separated them.
Nyirenda said his team will boycott matches to be handled by Chabala.
“What have we done to you to treat us in a harsh way. Even in Lusaka you behaved in a similar manner. Next time we will not allow you to handle any of our matches,” he said.
Zanaco went in front on 41 minutes through Makundika Sakala who finished off a move started by substitute Moses Phiri. Phiri was introduced for Rabson Lwambula in the 27th minute.
Rangers restored parity in the 50th minute through Sakuwaha who headed in Simon Nkole’s corner kick.
 
ZESCO 2 WARRIORS 0
 
Winston Kalengo scored on his debut as Zesco United showed intent of defending the Super Division title when they beat Kabwe Warriors at Trade Fair Ground in Ndola.
Kalengo, formerly of Zanaco, poked in a goalmouth scramble on 54 minutes as Warriors defenders were left perplexed while Alfred Luputa scored three minutes to time to give Ronald Chinku a harsh start as Warriors trainer.