Konkola Blades produced one of the standout away performances of the Zambia Super League round, beating Zanaco 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at Sunset Stadium on October 11, 2026.

The match swung repeatedly, with Zanaco twice taking the lead before Konkola Blades responded and then found a late winner. It was a result that underlined Konkola’s resilience and left Zanaco with a painful home defeat despite scoring twice.

Match overview

Zanaco began brightly and controlled the early tempo, using their wide players to stretch the Konkola Blades defence. Their pressure told in the 18th minute when Emmanuel Okutu finished calmly after a flowing move down the right. Sunset Stadium expected the home side to push on, but Konkola responded with composure rather than panic.

Konkola equalised in the 34th minute through Martin Daka, whose well-timed run into the box was rewarded with a precise finish. Zanaco restored their advantage early in the second half when Kennedy Musonda struck from just inside the area, but the visitors refused to fold.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Zanaco took the lead as Emmanuel Okutu converted a low cross from the right for 1-0.
• 34th minute: Konkola Blades equalised when Martin Daka arrived late in the box and slotted the ball beyond the goalkeeper for 1-1.
• 52nd minute: Zanaco regained the lead through Kennedy Musonda, who reacted quickest to a loose ball and fired home for 2-1.
• 71st minute: Substitute Kelvin Mubanga levelled again for Konkola, finishing off a fast counterattack for 2-2.
• 88th minute: Konkola won it late. Chanda Mushili found space at the edge of the box and curled a decisive shot into the corner for 2-3.
• 90+3rd minute: Zanaco pushed everyone forward for a late corner, but Konkola defended the final delivery to secure all three points.

Tactical story

Zanaco dominated possession for long spells, but their high defensive line became a risk each time Konkola Blades won the ball in midfield. Konkola were direct and efficient, often attacking through the channels and forcing Zanaco’s centre-backs into uncomfortable foot races. The visitors also pressed intelligently after losing the ball, preventing Zanaco from building smooth sequences in the final third.

Zanaco’s attacking shape created chances, but their inability to manage transitions proved costly. Twice they led, and twice they were pegged back before conceding the winner. Konkola, meanwhile, showed the kind of game management that wins away matches: they slowed the tempo when needed, took their chances, and defended their box in the closing stages.

Standout players

Chanda Mushili was the hero for Konkola Blades, not only for the winning goal but for his relentless running and link-up play. Kelvin Mubanga changed the game after coming off the bench, adding pace and directness. In defence, Konkola’s goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the scoreline within reach before the late winner.

For Zanaco, Kennedy Musonda was lively throughout and took his goal well, while Emmanuel Okutu caused problems with his movement. Their efforts were not enough, however, as the team’s defensive organisation let them down at key moments.

Table impact and what it means

The victory is a major boost for Konkola Blades in the Zambia Super League, giving them confidence and valuable points away from home. It also strengthens their position in the competitive mid-table battle. Zanaco, on the other hand, will see this as two dropped points at home and a reminder that controlling possession means little without control of the game’s decisive moments.

Match facts

• Competition: Zambia Super League
• Result: Zanaco 2-3 Konkola Blades
• Date: October 11, 2026
• Venue: Sunset Stadium, Lusaka
• Goals: Emmanuel Okutu 18’, Kennedy Musonda 52’ (Zanaco); Martin Daka 34’, Kelvin Mubanga 71’, Chanda Mushili 88’ (Konkola Blades)