Nkana got their first win of the MTN Super League season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Red Arrows at the Nkana Stadium on Thursday.

The only goal of the game was a screamer by Takudzwa Chimwemwe on 58 minutes as Nkana celebrated success following an opening round 3-2 home loss to Nkwazi.

It was Red Arrows’ first fixture of the campaign after they had competed in the CAF Confederations Cup, beating Young Buffaloes of Eswatini to advance to the next stage.

Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi restored goalkeeper Kelvin Malunga to the starting line-up, but had to do without the injured Harrison Chisala.

After a frenetic start, Obed Masubuko saw his long-range effort deflected for a corner, before Alex Ng’onga found himself one-on-one with the Arrows keeper but could not finish.

The decisive moment of the match came just before the hour mark as Chimwemwe stepped up to rifle home a free-kick.

The unlucky Ng’onga found himself with time and space again, but missed the target once more as Nkana failed to extend their lead, though they managed to hold on for the win.

Nkana were champions of the truncated 2019-20 Super League season, but faced a relegation battle last term as they battled at the bottom but were able to save themselves in the final weeks of the campaign.

COURTESY