ZSL WEEK 4 BIG MATCH FEATURE: NAPSA STARS V RED ARROWS
Sunday 29th September will see a top of the table clash as second-placed NAPSA Stars host third-placed Red Arrows at woodlands stadium.
The stakes couldn’t be any higher as both will be looking to get some daylight from the other in the early push toward the desired ground in the 2019/2020 season.
Form
Both sides have been in immaculate form in the first three rounds and without a doubt, twill look to continue on the green patch. With three wins from three for both, the recipe is a tasty one and has the makings for a cracker.
NASA has had a solid defensive base and picked their moments well which they have used efficiently to win matches.
The presence of Luka Banda in the heart of the defense, Dickson Chapa in the middle and Bornwell Mwape’s hustle up front has given them a good spine. Rabson Muchelenganga has also been in an inspired form I goal hence the non-concession of a goal thus far.
The pensioners have not been the most creative but have been efficient enough. In their matches against both Kansanshi and Lusaka Dynamos, they appeared willing to let the opposition have the ball in areas where they wouldn’t bite but were quick to it in key areas.
They have been mature thus far.
On the other side, Chisi Mbewe’s Red Arrows have stuck to the quick short passing game which relies on excellent movement both on and off the ball.
Bronson Chama has rolled back the years in defense, George Simbayambaya and Paul Katema have provided a good midfield base while Bruce Musakanya and Sadam Phiri are getting the Joy of playing of James Chamanga’s intelligence and application of a wealth of experience.
The airmen have earned their maximum points so far with a good drive and unity of purpose, they will look to build on it.
Recent Meetings
In the last five meetings, Arrows have had the upper hand with 3 wins while NAPSAhase won 1 and the other was a goalless stalemate.
The match has historically been not high scoring with the highest number of goals scored being two in their meeting on 2nd April 2016 and their last meeting in the 2018 season on October 27th when NAPSA won 2-0 away at Nkoloma.
Both have scored four goals this season from three and in no way does it suggest a change in the trend.
Whatever the case, this game has no certainties and so fans will be expecting much goalmouth action and returns.
Key battles and basic tactics
Most matches are defined by a few key battles and this one may not be an exception. Pockets of space are key, wits must be at their peak and the execution has to be flawless.
James Chamanga V Luka Banda will be an interesting battle in and around the NAPSA box while Bornwell Mwape and the returning Laudit Mavugo if he plays V Bissong and Chama will be key in the Arrows’ box. The strikers will try and hurry the defenders off possession and will try to get penetration and pave routes while in Possession.
In the middle of the park, Collins Sikombe will try and get one over the combination of Simbayambaya and Katema the same way Katema will try and get beyond Dickson Chapa’s protection line to add weight in the attack.
On the flanks, there will be interesting battles as a returning Bruce Musakanya will look for the immediate impact the same way Danny Silavwe will look to provide incision for NAPSA.
The tactics are expected not to change much from what has been so far with NAPSA taking the cautious yet effective route and Arrows taking the more adventurous route with quick combinational play and the occasional ball over the top to bypass the midfield.
Key Players
Usually, players on the pitch take this slot. However, with both sides fairly matched on paper, it may be down to the two men in the dugouts and how they shuffle their cards.
Every move will count, every call will matter and every instruction will have an effect. Who would be a coach on this day?
It’s showtime!
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