The Elite Football Academy U15 faced Zanimone in an exciting league away match at Lusaka on 21 September 2024, kicking off at 10:00 am. The academy emerged victorious with a convincing scoreline of 3-1, showcasing their tactical prowess and individual brilliance throughout the match.
The Elite Football Academy U15 employed a 4-3-3 formation, a structure commonly used to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. In this setup, the team featured a goalkeeper stationed behind a defensive line of four, consisting of two central defenders and two full-backs. The midfield trio comprised a central midfielder flanked by two wide midfielders, while the frontline consisted of a central striker supported by two wingers.
In the starting eleven, Godfrey Hachipuka took his place as the goalkeeper, while nelson nelso and Philimon operated as the right and left defenders, respectively. Gerard and Gido commanded the central defence, providing strength and organisation. In midfield, Elijah held the central position, with Jim on the right and Junior on the left, tasked with supporting both defence and attack. Up front, Emmanuel played on the right wing, Misheck took the central striker role, and Alex occupied the left wing, all expected to exploit the width and create goal-scoring opportunities. The substitutes for the match included Chisanchi.
The match began with both teams testing each other's resolve, but it was the Elite Football Academy U15 who struck first. In the 13th minute, Misheck scored the opening goal, converting a short pass from Emmanuel with a deft finish from close range. Immediately after, Godfrey Hachipuka showcased his goalkeeping skills with a full-stretch save, denying Zanimone an equaliser.
Despite the academy's early lead, Zanimone found a way back into the match. In the 40th minute, a fluke goal from the opponents levelled the score, as they capitalised on a moment of misfortune for the academy, scoring with a header from close range. The teams went into half-time with the score tied at 1-1.
As the second half unfolded, the Elite Football Academy U15 displayed resilience and determination. Gerard made a crucial tackle in the 58th minute, preventing a promising chance for Zanimone, demonstrating the defensive organisation of the academy.
In the 62nd minute, a tactical substitution saw Chisanchi replace Jim, aiming to bolster the midfield and maintain control of the game. This change proved pivotal, as in the 67th minute, Misheck struck again, this time with a stunning long-range goal assisted by a precise long pass from Hachipuka.
With the momentum firmly in their favour, the academy extended their lead in the 79th minute. Emmanuel scored the third goal, finishing a well-executed team move with a right-footed shot from outside the box, following a short pass from Chisanchi. This goal sealed the victory for the Elite Football Academy U15, who showcased their attacking capabilities and solidified their position in the league standings.
As the final whistle blew, the academy celebrated a well-deserved 3-1 victory, marking an impressive performance from the squad and highlighting their potential for the season ahead.
