LUSAKA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The last day of Zambia's premier soccer league saw 2015 winners Zesco crowned on Saturday.
The 2017 league had four teams in line to win the title on the last day of the league but Zesco managed to edge 2016 winners Zanaco for the league victory on a total of 74 points and 11-time champions Nkana finished third while Green Buffaloes finished fourth.
Zesco beat relegated Mighty Mufulira Wanderers 4-2 in the last match of the league while Zanaco beat Forest Rangers 2-0 and Nkana managed to beat Konkola Blades 2-0.
During the match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola city of the Copperbelt province and televised on Supersport sports channel, Zesco made their intents to win the title known as early as the second minute when midfielder John Ching'andu scored after a good run from Lazarus Kambole on the right flank.
But the lead was short-lived as Wanderers immediately replied in the fourth minute when striker Guily Manziba rose high to head the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Jacob Banda.
Manziba later put Wanderers in front with a solo effort as he dazzled through a cluster of Zesco players before unleashing a scorcher of a goal in the 21st minute.
However Kenyan international Jesse Were, restored the parity for Zesco in the 26th minute. Then Were gave Zesco the lead again in the 38th minute to complete his brace and Kambole wrapped up the game when he scored in the 71st minute.
Zesco coach Tenant Chembo thanked his players for putting up a splendid performance and winning the league title.
He said he will have to sit down with the executive in order to plan for the Champions League tournament.
"We thank God for this win. We faced hurdles during the season and this is the last hurdle we had to overcome," he said.
The 2018 league will start in March.
