Draw not enough for Abuya's Nkana in relegation fight

Nkana FC, home to Harambee Stars international Duke Abuya, left it late as they battled to a 1-1 draw against second placed Zanaco FC in a Zambian Super League match played at Sunset Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Although Zanaco had really nothing to play for apart from ensuring they maintain the second spot they are currently in to ensure a place in next season's continental champions league, since Zesco United had already sealed the league title for a ninth time three days ago, Nkana had very much everything to play for as their stay in the top flight hangs precariously on a balance.

The club crucially went on to knick one point at the death after going down to ensure a fighting chance heading into their last two games of the season as they sit in the relegation places only because of an inferior goal difference.

Here is a wrap of how the action unfolded.

Zanaco 1 - 1 Nkana

Named, in the matchday squad, Abuya started from bench and jumped into the fray on the 55th minute for Patrick Gondwe with Nkana needing some impetus.

The clash between the two sides went for 87 minutes without witnessing a goal, up until the last six minutes of play where two goals were scored, one apiece.

Baba Basile gave the hosts the lead with a strike that looked as the match winner in the 88th minute only for midfielder Alex Ng'onga to find a much needed equalizer for Nkana in the third minute of the four added by the fourth official.

The game, which was Nkana's game in hand, ensured they moved level on points - 38 - with 14th placed Indeni who are not in the safety spots courtesy of their superior goal difference. Nkana now head into the last two fixtures against Buildcon and fellow strugglers Napsa Stars knowing that only maximum points will save them from exiting the top flight stage.

Napsa Stars is home to two Kenyan internationals as well; goalkeeper Shabaan Odhoji and defender David 'Calabar' Owino who are also staring at the possibility of relegation. Currently they sit in 16th place on 36 points.