Sweden

In the upset of the week relegation candidates Ljungskile SK, with Edwin Phiri back into the starting line-up at right-back, shocked third-place Helsingborgs and fellow countrymen Isaac Chansa on the road. The 5-3-2 formation of Ljunskile held defensively against the classic 4-4-2 of Helsingborgs, featuring Chansa at left midfield. The lone goal of the game came in the 55th minute, courtesy of Daryl Smylie, and proved to be the winner in 1-0 match. Helsingborgs still sit have a 1 point lead on fourth place, but fall 8 points from first, meanwhile Ljungskile are now tied for 13th spot in the table out of 16.

The former Power Dynamos ace was substituted in the 65th minute. Chansa has played a total of 17 matches from a possible 19 this season, started 15 of those matches and he has been replaced four times.

In second division action, Boyd Mwila and Orgryte play today, and are point out of first with a game in-hand. Watch this page for updates.

Finland

A trio of Zambians were unable to break through for RoPS as they fell on the road to MyPa on the road, dropping to 9th in the Veikkausliiga. Chileshe Chibwe and Chanda Mwaba were in the midfield with veteran Zeddy Saileti at forward, all playing 90 minutes. RoPS are now down to 9th place out of 14, losing the last three games, the league however is now on break until the beginning of October. Nchimunya Mweetwa is still not back in the starting line-up after sustaining a knee injury a few weeks ago.

The Ykkonen second division saw AC Oulu suffer heart-break at home by way of a 90th minute equalizer against PK 35, putting a cog in their title hopes. The brothers were at it again with Dominic and Donewell Yobe both in the starting XI. Dominic gave his side the lead in the 28th minute, his 9th goal of the year, tied for second most in the league. However, the brothers were both subbed off, in the 71st and 76th minutes respectively. Oulu was not able to hold off the PK 35 attack, as they were finally broken right before full-time. Oulu blew a valuable oppurtunity to close in on league leaders Viikingit, who also tied, remaining 3 points out of first place heading into the break.

Germany

Chris Katongo made his league debut for new club Arminia Bielefeld in an exciting 2-2 draw at home to last years league runners-up Werder Bremen. All the scoring came in the last third of the match (in terms of time), in a battle of braces Marcus Rosenberg twice gave Bremen the lead, only to have Artur Wichniarek answer back for the home-side within minutes. ‘Tsunami’ Katongo was not involved in the first goal, however was an integral part of the equalizer. As Bielefeld broke down the left flank, deep into Bremen territory, the Staff Sergeant made a run across the face of the net, drawing the attention of two defenders and the goalkeeper. The ensuing low cross was behind Katongo, however it found the foot of Wichniarek who had an open net and all the time he needed to give his side the point. Tsunami had two attempts on net throughout the match, both from the top of the box, a 13th minute shot was blocked, while a 52nd minute effort from the left-foot was high and wide.

Youtube highlights of the match can be seen here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0amc7m09j8

The second division got underway as well, with Andrew Sinkala debuting for FC Ausburg in the middle of the midfield in the 4-3-3 formation. Sinkala anchored the midfield, but it was not enough as a strong FC Nurnberg held on for the 2-1 victory. Though the ball possesion was near even, Nurnberg (who reached the second round of the UEFA Cup last year, but shockingly relegated domestically) led the charge with 20 shots on net, more then double the 9 of Ausburg. Sinkala had a glorious chance in the 41st minute from just over 20 meters out, but his shot was just to the right, outside the post. A subsequent desperation effort in the 90th minute from 25 meters out was high and to the left.

France

Felix Katongo was not on the substitute bench for Rennes as they lost to early league leaders Grenoble, 1-0.

In Ligue 2, captain Jacob Mulenga played 90 minutes as the lone striker for Chateauroux, but they suffered there second straight 1-0 defeat, this time to RC Lens.

South Africa

Davies Nkausu was the only Zambian involved in the Rainbow nation over the weekend. But the 22 year old’s Supersport United lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN Top 8 Cup. Collins Mbesuma did not feature for Sundowns.

Republished with permission - zambianfootball.net.

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