Zanaco on Sunday suffered a major setback in their league title defence after losing 2-0 away to Green Buffaloes in a top two Lusaka derby showdown at Nkoloma Stadium.

The 2016 champions defeat comes just four days after they lost 1-0 at Nkwazi in another away game on September 13 across town at Edwin Emboela Stadium.

Zanaco struggled to find any rhythm as Buffaloes took command of proceedings.

Friday Samu fired in the opening goal in the 24th minute off an Oyster Mwakatambala cross.

This was Samu’s first game back in three matches following his recent recovery from a toe infection and took his tally to 9 goals this season.

So modest were Zanaco that even the 36th minute substitute of midfielder Richard Kasonde who was replaced by veteran Isaac Chansa failed to see them make any impact in the middle of the park.

Buffaloes extended their lead on the stroke of halftime after Zanaco goalkeeper Racha Kola palmed Malan Gondwe over his head and Mike Katiba who was behind him headed in the gift from the former.

Zanaco’s desperation for a face saver say striker Heritier Nkonko guided the ball in with his hand in the 72nd minute that earned him a yellow card.

Buffaloes are now three points clear at the top on 53 points, Zanaco stay 2nd while Nkana are 3rd on 48 points from 28 games played with eleven left to play.