In a gripping league match held at Wesley Nyirenda on 6th April 2025, Sate Sate Youth Academy edged past Kitwe Skills Academy with a final score of 3-2. The match, which kicked off at 3:00 PM, showcased a thrilling display of football, with both teams demonstrating their attacking prowess and resilience.
Sate Sate Youth Academy lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions into attack. Isaac Mulenga took his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Oswald Chalwe and James Mwansa as right and left defenders, respectively, with Alex Musonda and Godwin Kapya forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Mwangani Norbert and Mutale Kasuku operated as right and left midfielders, while Williams Kasongo and Robin Stanley Siame occupied the central roles. Up front, the striking duo of Stephen Phiri and Michael Chanda were tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Sate Sate Youth Academy included Clement Besa and Gift Kalibuku, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The first half saw Kitwe Skills Academy take the lead in the 32nd minute, as they capitalised on a defensive lapse from Sate Sate Youth Academy. A well-placed shot from close range found the back of the net, putting the home side ahead. However, Sate Sate responded with determination, and just seven minutes later, Michael Chanda equalised. A clever flick from Stephen Phiri set Chanda up perfectly, allowing him to slot the ball home from close range, bringing the score to 1-1 just before half-time.
As the second half commenced, Sate Sate made tactical substitutions, bringing on Clement Besa for Mutale Kasuku and Gift Kalibuku for Mwangani Norbert, both players eager to make an impact. However, it was Kitwe Skills Academy who struck first in the second half, scoring an own goal in the 52nd minute. A miscommunication in the Sate Sate defence resulted in the ball inadvertently being directed into their own net, restoring Kitwe's lead at 2-1.
Undeterred, Sate Sate Youth Academy rallied and found their equaliser in the 58th minute. Clement Besa, who had just entered the fray, unleashed a stunning long-range strike that left the Kitwe goalkeeper with no chance, thanks to a brilliant back heel assist from Stephen Phiri. The match was now finely poised at 2-2.
As the clock ticked down, Sate Sate continued to press for the winner. Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Stephen Phiri scored a magnificent lob from outside the box, assisted by a precise long pass from Godwin Kapya. This stunning goal sent the Sate Sate supporters into raptures, giving them a 3-2 lead.
In the dying moments of the match, Sate Sate Youth Academy held firm against a desperate Kitwe Skills Academy, who sought to find an equaliser. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory for Sate Sate, who showcased their resilience and attacking flair throughout the encounter. This thrilling match will surely be remembered by both teams as a testament to the competitive spirit of youth football.
