Former Gor Mahia defender scores first league goal in Zambia

© Zanaco FC.

STARS ABROAD Former Gor Mahia defender scores first league goal in Zambia

Festus Chuma 09:30 - 03.09.2023

The former Gor Mahia defender secured his first goal in Zambia Super League, helping Zanaco win against Trident FC and rise in the standings.

Kenyan international Dennis Ng’ang’a broke his duck by scoring his first goal in Zambia Super League in Zanaco’s 2-0 win against Trident FC on Saturday afternoon.

Ng’an’ga, who had recently joined Zanaco from Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, showcased his prowess with a stunning long-range shot that left fans in awe.

The defender was starting his third match for Zanaco, and his breakthrough moment could not have come at a better time. 

Zanaco's head coach, Wedson Nyirenda, displayed faith in the same starting XI that secured a 1-1 draw with FC Muza earlier in the week, aiming for much-needed consistency.

The match began with both teams looking to assert dominance, but it was Zanaco's Chawanagwa Kaonga who broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, putting his side ahead 1-0 at halftime.

As the first half drew to a close, Zanaco made tactical adjustments, bringing on Wilson Chisala for Francis Mwenya, bolstering their attack and setting the stage for an exciting second half.

Zanaco continued to apply pressure in the second stanza, and striker Brian Mwila came close to extending their lead in the 47th minute, demonstrating the team's hunger for success.

With the game still in the balance, Nyirenda made another critical substitution, introducing former Gor Mahia defender John Ochieng’ to strengthen the defense. Little did they know that Nganga was about to steal the spotlight.

In the 68th minute, the moment every Zanaco supporter had been waiting for arrived. Dennis Ng’ang’a unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that left former Sofapaka goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya stranded, desperately chasing the ball as it found the back of the net. 

The victory was a significant boost for Zanaco, propelling them to third place in the standings with five points from their three matches played so far this season. 

Meanwhile, Trident FC remained rooted in 17th place, with much work to do in the upcoming matches to climb up the ladder.

Dennis Ng’ang’a, along with John Ochieng’, had left Gor Mahia at the conclusion of the 2022-23 FKF Premier League season, seeking new challenges and opportunities. Mathias Kigonya, on the other hand, had made his exit from Sofapaka in February, and his journey with Trident FC was just beginning.