Zedpro Edge Valley Queens In Tense Mfuwe Clash

Zedpro travelled to Mfuwe on 16 November 2025 for a crucial league away fixture against Valley Queens, kicking off at 3:00pm under the watchful eye of referee Mathews Tembo. The match ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Zedpro, a result secured through a decisive goal in the first half and a resilient defensive display throughout the 90 minutes plus added time.

Zedpro lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, deploying Estella Namuyota in goal behind a back three of Florence Kubata at right defender, Joyce Mwape centrally, and Agness Zulu on the left. The midfield five featured Evelyn Zulu on the right wing, Patricia Mumba, Jennifer Kamushila, and Agness Chilando occupying central midfield roles, with Martha Chitaika operating on the left flank. Up front, the strike partnership consisted of Leya Mwila on the right and Faitha Kaunda on the left. The substitutes bench included Annie Mwanza and Zangita Chilongo, ready to provide fresh legs if called upon.

The 3-5-2 setup was designed to offer solidity at the back with three defenders supported by a packed midfield, allowing wing midfielders Evelyn and Martha to provide width and supply the forwards. Central midfielders Patricia, Jennifer, and Agness Chilando were expected to control the tempo, break up opposition play, and link defence to attack. Up front, Leya and Faitha were tasked with stretching the Valley Queens defence and capitalising on goal-scoring opportunities.

The match began with intensity as early fouls disrupted the rhythm. Patricia Mumba committed a foul inside the opening two minutes, signalling a physical contest ahead. Immediately after, Namuyota was called into action with a crucial save in the third minute, demonstrating alertness to keep the scoreline level. Faitha Kaunda was flagged offside at the same time, while Jennifer Kamushila was booked for holding an opponent, indicating Zedpro’s combative midfield presence.

Namuyota’s reliability was evident again in the fourth minute with a confident catch from a threatening Valley Queens attack. Zedpro’s attacking intent was clear when Martha Chitaika was caught offside in the seventh minute due to a mistimed run, a decision that was correctly given. However, Martha’s aggression showed moments later with a late tackle at the eighth minute, though no penalty was awarded.

Patricia Mumba’s high tackle at the ninth minute further underlined the physical nature of the game, but again no penalty was conceded. Namuyota’s safe hands were tested once more at the tenth minute with another catch, just moments before Zedpro struck the decisive blow. Evelyn Zulu fired home from close range with her right foot after a precise long pass from Martha Chitaika, putting Zedpro ahead and sending their supporters into raptures.

Valley Queens responded with attempts on goal, Faitha Kaunda’s shot at the 16th minute was saved, while Agness Chilando was booked for a trip at the 20th minute. Faitha’s subsequent effort went wide, and Namuyota maintained composure with another catch at the 21st minute. Leya Mwila’s wide attempt followed at 22 minutes, but the goalkeeper’s presence remained a constant barrier to the opposition.

The match continued with tight defensive work and tactical fouls. Leya was caught offside at the 28th minute, and Jennifer Kamushila was booked for a late tackle at 29 minutes. Agness Chilando’s attempt was saved at the 30th minute, while Faitha Kaunda’s shot was again denied at the 36th minute. Patricia Mumba’s late tackle at the same time earned her a yellow card, reflecting the mounting pressure on Zedpro’s midfield.

Martha Chitaika was penalised for handball at the 40th minute, and a rare mistake from Namuyota at 43 minutes saw a misplaced pass, though it did not lead to a goal. The half concluded with a series of fouls from Agness Chilando, including a late tackle and a push at the 45th minute, just before the break.

The second half resumed with Namuyota immediately called upon to catch a dangerous ball at the 46th minute, followed by two saves from Faitha Kaunda’s attempts in quick succession. Early in the second period, Zedpro made their first substitution as Annie Mwanza replaced the injured Martha Chitaika at the 49th minute, adding fresh energy to the left midfield.

Namuyota’s safe hands were again on display at the 50th minute, while Faitha Kaunda was cautioned for a late tackle at 51 minutes. Annie Mwanza herself committed a late tackle at 52 minutes, showing the physical intensity remained high. Joyce Mwape was booked for a high tackle at 57 minutes, and Agness Chilando was involved in further fouls at 58 minutes.

Leya Mwila was penalised twice for handball offences at 62 and 69 minutes, disrupting Zedpro’s attacking rhythm. At the 70th minute, Zangita Chilongo came on for Agness Chilando, providing fresh legs in midfield as the game entered its crucial final stages.

Joyce Mwape was again involved in a foul at 71 minutes, this time for a push, while Annie Mwanza’s wide attempt at 73 minutes showed Zedpro’s continued attacking intent. Namuyota’s reliable goalkeeping was evident once more with a catch at 77 minutes, despite further late tackles from Agness Zulu at 78 and 82 minutes. The latter foul earned Agness a yellow card for a bad tackle.

Annie Mwanza came close to scoring at 84 minutes when her shot hit the post, but she was flagged offside a minute later for a mistimed run. Leya Mwila was also caught offside twice in quick succession at 86 minutes, with one decision controversially overturned.

Evelyn Zulu received a yellow card at 88 minutes for an unspecified offence, adding to the disciplinary issues faced by Zedpro. The closing moments saw late tackles from Annie Mwanza and Agness Zulu at 90 and 91 minutes respectively, with Zangita Chilongo’s shot saved at 92 minutes as Valley Queens pushed desperately for an equaliser.

Ultimately, Zedpro’s solitary first-half goal proved enough to secure all three points in a fiercely contested encounter. The defensive resilience, combined with Namuyota’s crucial saves and the midfield’s combative spirit, ensured Valley Queens were kept at bay in Mfuwe. This victory will boost Zedpro’s confidence as they continue their league campaign.