By 
ZESCO United boosted their chances of finishing in the top four of the league after beating Zanaco 3-2 on Saturday in an exciting fixture played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola.
This was a highly anticipated encounter with United hoping to record a third victory in a row, while Zanaco headed by their interim Coach, Wedson Nyirenda were aiming to create some space for themselves away from the drop zone.
Nyirenda who returned to Zanaco last week in an interim capacity following the departure of club Head Coach, Kelvin Kaindu and team consultant Emmanuel Amunike saw his side go behind in the 9’ minute after a long throw in from Kelvin Kampamba who was calmly collected by Collins Sikombe who nutmegged Isaac Shamujompa before beating Charles Lawu with a powerful close-range shot.
Zanaco’s hopes of getting an equalizer were further dashed after Enock Sakala doubled the lead in the 12’ minute with a powerful header following a sumptuous cross from Eswatin international defender Lindo Mkhonta.
According to Zesco United Football Club Public Relations Officer Desmond Katongo, the Bankers got a lifeline in the 17’ minute after Moussa Souleyamnou found the back of the net beating Ian Otieno at close range.
Souleyamnou’s goal propelled United to respond in style with Sakala getting his first half brace after unlocking a powerful shot outside the Bankers penalty box which went past Lawu and the bottom corner of the net.
George Lwandamina’s side went into the second half with an eye on protecting the lead while the Bankers were aiming to get a quick goal.
Nyirenda’s halftime team talk paid off in the 58’ minute after Kaongo found the back of the net via the spot kick after Mwila Phiri was brought down in the 56’ minute.
United held on to the lead sealing three consecutive victories while defeat for Zanaco has seen them drop into the relegation zone.
Lwandamina’s United side are now in touching distance of second position with their next game being against third placed Green Buffaloes.
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