Chidue strikes in losing cause

Bruce Chikuni

FOREST Rangers striker, Thomas Chideu, grabbed a consolation for his side in a 1-2 loss to Green Eagles in the Zambian top-flight league over the weekend.

The defeat might have overshadowed his brilliant strike, but Zambian football analysts touted it as a goal of the season contender.

It was the giant forward’s second appearance, after spending the better part of the first part of the season recovering from a career-threatening injury.

The 26-year-old also struck the decisive goal last week on his return in their 2-1 win over Lumwana Radiants.

A tough fixture awaits them at the weekend against Power Dynamos, who lead the league table with 28 points.

Forest Rangers are currently fifth on the table with 24 points.

There are three more games before the Zambian top-flight league recess, and Chideu says he wants to take his goal tally to five before then.

“It was our first loss at home and, obviously, you would expect everyone to be disappointed with the outcome.

“I think I’m progressing well and the goal was something else.

“I’m now targeting, at least five goals, before the mid-season break,” said Chideu.

“As a striker, you need that confidence of trying everything to get your team the goals, and I’m happy that I’m slowly finding the net.

“We are still lively in the race for the championship, so I think everyone has to put in 100 percent effort and see where it will get us.

“I’m very confident that if we can secure a top three spot before the mid-season break, we will be in a better position to fight for the title after the break.”