Kansanshi Dynamos Football Club kicked off the new year with a 1-1 draw against Prison Leopards in an intense Week 19 clash of the ZPL National League played at President Stadium in Kabwe this afternoon.
Despite being far from home, Coach Zeddy Saileti expressed satisfaction with the result, noting that while the team lacked sharpness at times, it was a promising performance after the break.
“We slept in some moments,” admitted Saileti, “but overall, it wasn’t a bad performance. The boys played well, especially considering the long layoff.”
The match began on a high note for Kansanshi, with Tranquilin Mwepu scoring the team’s first goal of 2025 in just the second minute. Julius Mwanza delivered a pinpoint pass that Mwepu calmly converted, giving the visitors an early lead and silencing the home crowd.
Despite the early setback, Prison Leopards pushed hard for an equalizer. They thought they had found it in the 7th minute, but their effort was ruled out for offside.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 15th minute, Landu Miete unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the upright—a moment that had Kansanshi Dynamos fans holding their breath.
Kansanshi’s defence stood firm, with goalkeeper Sanjase putting in a stellar performance. In the 26th minute, he made a crucial save to deny Isaac Ngoma after the forward slipped past the Kansanshi backline. Although Prison Leopards earned a corner from the play, it was wasted as Kansanshi cleared the danger.
The hosts created more chances, including a header from Elimbi Maximilian in the 31st minute that narrowly missed the target.
Kansanshi’s resolve was tested further when Sanjase went down injured in the 36th minute, prompting a pause in play as medics attended to him. The break allowed the technical bench to regroup with the players, ensuring they stayed focused.
The second half began with tactical adjustments by Kansanshi Dynamos, as Kizito Keziron replaced Mathews Mwale and Rabson Mumba came on for Kelvin Chisamba. However, the hosts eventually broke through in the 57th minute when Yolamu Joy found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
Kansanshi responded by introducing Mike Zozi and Ackson Ndalama, hoping to regain control of the match.
Remmy Chanda came close in the 68th minute, but his header narrowly missed the target. Kansanshi continued to play with determination, showcasing their trademark intricate passing in the 86th minute, but the final touch once again eluded them.
As the match entered its closing stages, both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could capitalize on their chances. Three minutes of added time provided a glimmer of hope, but the match ended 1-1.
The draw sees Kansanshi Dynamos remain second on the log with 38 points from 19 games, trailing leaders Konkola Blades by three points. Konkola will face Mpulungu tomorrow.
Scorers:
– Yolamu Joy (Prison Leopards, 57’)
– Tranquilin Mwepu (Kansanshi Dynamos, 2’)
#Week19
#PrisonKDFC
#TogetherWeRise
