In a disappointing league encounter held at Kitwe on 30 November 2024, Sate Sate Youth Academy faced off against Skills Football Academy, ultimately succumbing to a 4-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 10:05am, with both teams eager to secure vital points in the league standings.
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 to attack. Benard Mwaba took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Kalumba Eric on the right, Godwin Kapya and Alex Musonda in central defence, and Kane Siuluta on the left. The midfield was structured with Michael Chanda and Mutale Kasuku operating on the right and left flanks respectively, while Tinashe Kandeke and Sydney Kalisha held central roles, tasked with linking play and supporting the forwards. Up front, Chama Banda and Stephen Phiri were positioned as the two strikers, expected to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The match began with both teams testing each other, but it was Skills Football Academy who struck first. Their attacking prowess was evident as they took control early in the first half, putting Sate Sate Youth Academy under pressure.
As the game progressed, Skills Football Academy's dominance became increasingly apparent. They capitalised on a defensive error from Sate Sate Youth Academy, allowing them to double their lead with a well-placed shot that left Mwaba with no chance. The home side struggled to find rhythm, with their midfield failing to assert control and provide the necessary support to the forwards.
By the time the referee signalled for half-time, Skills Football Academy had established a commanding 2-0 lead, leaving Sate Sate Youth Academy with a mountain to climb in the second half. The players retreated to the dressing rooms, with the home side needing a significant turnaround to salvage anything from the match.
The second half saw Sate Sate Youth Academy come out with renewed determination, but their efforts were quickly thwarted as Skills Football Academy added a third goal shortly after the restart. This goal further demoralised the home side, who found it increasingly difficult to penetrate the well-organised defence of their opponents.
Despite the mounting pressure, Sate Sate Youth Academy managed to pull one back through a moment of individual brilliance from one of their forwards, igniting a flicker of hope among the home fans. However, this was short-lived as Skills Football Academy responded almost immediately, restoring their three-goal cushion and effectively sealing the match.
As the final whistle blew, Sate Sate Youth Academy were left to ponder a disappointing defeat on home soil. The scoreline of 4-1 reflected the visitors' clinical finishing and superior tactical execution throughout the match. The home side will need to regroup and reassess their strategies as they look ahead to their next fixture, aiming to bounce back from this heavy loss.
