NAPSA Stars Beat Zanaco 2-0 in International Club Friendly

NAPSA Stars delivered a composed and clinical away performance to defeat Zanaco 2-0 in an International Club Friendly on Friday, September 11, 2026. Played under the lights at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka, the match gave both Zambian clubs a valuable competitive workout, but it was NAPSA Stars who left with the sharper edge, scoring once in each half to secure a well-managed victory.

Zanaco began with plenty of possession and looked eager to impose themselves in front of their home supporters, yet they struggled to turn territorial control into clear-cut chances. NAPSA Stars, by contrast, were patient, compact, and ruthless when opportunities arrived. The 2-0 scoreline reflected their efficiency rather than a dominant share of the ball, and it underlined the value of disciplined friendly preparation.

Match Details

• Competition: International Club Friendly
• Home Team: Zanaco
• Away Team: NAPSA Stars
• Date and Time: September 11, 2026, 18:25
• Venue: Sunset Stadium, Lusaka
• Full-Time Score: Zanaco 0-2 NAPSA Stars

Match Overview

Zanaco set up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape, looking to use width and quick combinations in the final third. Their midfield duo tried to dictate the tempo, and for much of the opening 20 minutes they kept NAPSA Stars pinned back. However, the final pass was often delayed or overhit, allowing the visitors to reset their defensive block.

NAPSA Stars were happy to defend in a disciplined 4-4-2 mid-block, inviting Zanaco forward before springing forward on the counter. That approach paid off midway through the first half when a turnover in midfield released Emmanuel Chanda, who drove into the box and finished low past the Zanaco goalkeeper. The goal changed the mood of the friendly, forcing Zanaco to chase the game earlier than they might have planned.

After the break, Zanaco made several changes and pushed more players forward. They created a few half-chances from set pieces and wide deliveries, but NAPSA Stars defended their penalty area with composure. The visitors sealed the result in the 73rd minute when Kelvin Mwansa latched onto a through ball, rounded the goalkeeper, and rolled the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0.

Key Moments

• 12’ – Zanaco’s first opening: A cross from the left found a Zanaco forward at the near post, but his header flashed wide of the upright.
• 28’ – NAPSA Stars take the lead: Emmanuel Chanda intercepted a loose pass and finished calmly inside the area to make it 1-0.
• 41’ – Important save: Zanaco forced a strong stop from the NAPSA goalkeeper with a dipping effort from the edge of the box.
• 57’ – Zanaco double change: Fresh legs in midfield and attack gave the home side more urgency, but NAPSA’s back line held firm.
• 73’ – NAPSA double the advantage: Kelvin Mwansa broke through and finished with composure to put the game beyond Zanaco.
• 88’ – Late resistance: NAPSA’s goalkeeper produced another solid save to preserve the clean sheet and complete a satisfying 2-0 win.

Tactical Story

The friendly offered a clear contrast in styles. Zanaco wanted to build patiently, use their full-backs high, and create overloads in wide areas. Their best moments came when they switched play quickly and forced NAPSA’s midfield to shift laterally. But too often, the final action lacked precision, and NAPSA’s centre-backs were able to clear crosses without being stretched.

NAPSA Stars were organised and purposeful without the ball. Their midfield line stayed compact, cutting off central passing lanes and forcing Zanaco into predictable wide deliveries. When possession was won, they looked to attack directly. The front two worked hard to press the Zanaco centre-backs, and the wide players provided intelligent running in behind. That simple but effective plan produced both goals and kept Zanaco from finding any rhythm in the final third.

Zanaco’s coaching staff will have seen positives in the build-up phases, especially in the first half, but the lack of a cutting edge will be a talking point. NAPSA Stars, meanwhile, will be pleased with their defensive discipline, transition speed, and game management — three qualities that matter just as much in friendly fixtures as they do in competitive league matches.

Standout Players

Emmanuel Chanda (NAPSA Stars): The opening goalscorer was a constant threat on the counter. His movement between the lines caused Zanaco problems, and his finish was calm and precise.

Kelvin Mwansa (NAPSA Stars):