STRIKER Dave Daka came to Nkana FC’s rescue with a late penalty to deny rivals Mufulira Wanderers victory in a fiercely contested Mopani derby that ended 1-1 at Shinde Stadium in Mufulira.
Nkana, who have endured an inconsistent campaign, looked headed for their eighth defeat of the season before Daka held his nerve from the spot to snatch a valuable point in the dying stages of the match.
The first half produced few clear-cut chances, with both sides showing intensity but lacking precision in the final third as they went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The breakthrough came five minutes after the hour mark when Bartuel Tembo fired Mufulira Wanderers ahead, sending the home supporters into wild celebrations as the hosts seized control of the derby.
Wanderers appeared on course to complete a famous victory, but Nkana refused to fold under pressure.
With ten minutes left on the clock, Daka stepped up to convert from the penalty spot after a Wanderers defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.
The equaliser silenced the home crowd and ensured Nkana walked away with a crucial point in a match that lived up to its billing.
The result left Nkana in 11th position on 31 points, while Mufulira Wanderers dropped to fifth place on 42 points, level on points with Zanaco FC.
Zanaco delivered an impressive away performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Mutondo Stars at Kafubu Stadium.
First-half goals from Idana Chimwemwe and Eliya Mandanji proved decisive, as the Lusaka-based side asserted early dominance and comfortably saw out the match to climb up the Super League standings.
At Reiz Arena in Lusaka, FC MUZA produced a strong second-half display to claim a 2-1 victory over NAPSA Stars.
After a goalless opening half, Rickson Ng’ambia broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, giving MUZA the momentum.
Bridger Ng’andu doubled the advantage just six minutes later with a well-taken strike to put the visitors firmly in control.
NAPSA Stars attempted a late comeback, with Tresor Ilunga pulling one back in the 77th minute, but MUZA held on to secure all three points and continue their push up the table.
Elsewhere, Green Buffaloes and Konkola Blades battled to a goalless draw at Edwin Imboela Stadium in Lusaka in a match that lacked cutting edge despite end-to-end action.
Red Arrows were also held to a stalemate in the Midlands derby after playing out a 0-0 draw against Nkwazi at Nkoloma Stadium, missing an opportunity to strengthen their position in the title race.
Meanwhile, two fixtures involving defending champions Power Dynamos against FC Leopards, and Nchanga Rangers versus Zesco United, were postponed due to heavy rains in Kitwe and Chingola respectively.
