Namungo lose to Nkana in Caf Confederation Cup

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s representative in the Caf Confederation Cup, Namungo FC, hopes to qualify for the quarterfinals were put in doubt after it lost 1-0 to Nkana FC of Zambia at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Nkana’s goal was scored by Diamond Chikwekwe in the 69th after mistakes made by Namungo FC defenders who did not mark the scorer. This is the third loss for Namungo FC, who lost 1-0 against Raja Casablanca in Casablanca, Morocco - and, later, lost 2-0 to Pyramids FC of Egypt at its home ground.

The result puts the Tanzania’s side at the bottom of the standings, with zero points. Pyramids, who played Raja Casablanca yesterday night, were at the top with six points. Raja Casablanca were second with six points based on goals difference.

Namungo players made efforts to equalize, but Nkana defenders stood firm and stopped all attacks made by the Tanzanian strikers. The encounter was delayed for about 40 minutes following Nkana’s failure to produce Covid-19 tests certificates. Reports said that Nkana opted not to be accompanied by the designated Caf Covid-19 official when they went for testing, and were told to produce government payment slip to show they had undergone the mandatory testing. Namungo head coach Hamed Morocco said they made mistakes in the encounter and allowed Nkana players to score easily. Morocco said they are now focusing on the next match against Nkana FC to be played on Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on April 11. Namungo will also play Raja Casablanca on their home ground - and, later, against Pyramids FC of Egypt in their last match of the competition.

“We played well and created several scoring chances - but failed to utilize them. We still have matches in the competition,” said Morocco.