Chico Stars Triumph Over Eastern Warriors In League Clash

ChiCo Stars Football Club welcomed Eastern Warriors to Chibaya Cha Nsingo on 26 October 2024 for a highly anticipated league encounter. The home side emerged victorious with a convincing 3-1 scoreline, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation throughout the match.

ChiCo Stars set up in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, designed to promote fluid attacking play while maintaining a robust defensive structure. Patrick Phiri occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four consisting of Duncan Mbewe on the right, Bright Weza and Gift Phiri in central defence, and Moses Ngoma on the left. In midfield, Nickson Kaluba operated on the right, with Kasambeni Alick in a central role and Gideon Phiri on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forwards. Up front, Dennis Jere played on the right, Ford Tembo led the line as the striker, and Ngoma Alick completed the attacking trio on the left.

The substitutes for ChiCo Stars were not disclosed, but the starting eleven was clearly prepared to execute their game plan effectively.

The match commenced with both teams probing for early dominance, but it was ChiCo Stars who struck first in the 29th minute. Nickson Kaluba opened the scoring, finishing from close range after a well-timed short pass from Kasambeni Alick, sending the home crowd into raptures. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the half, as ChiCo Stars maintained control, utilising their midfield to dictate the pace of the game.

As the first half drew to a close, the score remained 1-0 in favour of ChiCo Stars, with the players heading into the break buoyed by their lead. The second half saw ChiCo Stars continue to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off again in the 60th minute when Kaluba found the net for the second time. This goal, again from inside the box, was assisted by Dennis Jere, who delivered a precise short pass that allowed Kaluba to finish expertly with his right foot.

However, Eastern Warriors were not to be dismissed easily. They responded with a goal of their own in the 71st minute, scoring from close range with a powerful header that brought the score to 2-1. This moment injected a sense of urgency into the match, as the visitors sought to equalise.

ChiCo Stars, undeterred by the setback, quickly regained their composure and extended their lead in the 78th minute. Dennis Jere scored a stunning long-range strike, assisted by Ford Tembo's accurate long pass, which showcased the team's attacking capabilities and sealed the match at 3-1.

The referee, Soko John, had a challenging afternoon, with his performance drawing mixed reviews from the crowd, but ultimately, it was ChiCo Stars who celebrated a well-deserved victory. The result not only solidified their position in the league but also highlighted the individual brilliance of players like Nickson Kaluba, who was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match.