NKANA FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN INAUGURAL TATI RIVER CUP

Nkana FC finished as runners-up at the inaugural Tati River Cup in Botswana after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tonota FC in a closely contested final at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.

Kalampa made a bright start to the final and took the lead in the 31st minute when Gift Msiska found the back of the net, putting Nkana in front as the Zambian side pushed for silverware to cap its Botswana tour.

However, Tonota FC responded before the interval, with Arnold Mampori scoring to level the contest and send the two sides into half-time tied at 1-1.

The Botswana Premier League outfit completed the comeback in the 61st minute when Emmanuel Timu scored the decisive goal to secure the Tati River Cup for Tonota.

While the result will be disappointing for Kalampa, Nkana can take encouragement from a competitive tournament that provided the squad with valuable match experience and an opportunity to test itself against strong opposition.

The Botswana tour has also given the technical team an opportunity to assess the squad ahead of the 2026 Transitional League, with competitive minutes expected to be important as Nkana continues preparations for the new campaign.

For Tonota, the victory marks a memorable start to the Tati River Cup, while Nkana return home with a runners-up finish and valuable lessons from their Botswana assignment.

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