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Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor
MARVELOUS Nakamba’s first home start for English Championship side Luton Town ended in disaster when the Hatters were beaten 1-0 by table toppers Burnley at Kenilworth Road yesterday, a match the Zimbabwean midfielder did not finish after he limped off injured.
It was the first league defeat for the Hatters in six matches. Before that, they had won three times and drawn twice. Nakamba, on loan at Luton Town from Aston Villa was replaced by Allan Campbell in the 68th minute. Luton Town announced that the Zimbabwe Warriors midfielder could not carry on after getting injured.
In his debut appearance for Luton Town, Nakamba was introduced as a 62nd substitute Campbell when the Hatters defeated Stoke City 1-0.
According to Luton Town, Nakamba did well in his first start at home before he came off shortly after picking up an injury.
“Nakamba had performed well again on his home debut at the base of the Town midfield, but his work for the day was done in the 68th minute, being replaced by Campbell after receiving treatment,’’ wrote Luton Town after the match.
Ten minutes after Nakamba was substituted, the Hatters had skipper Tom Lockyer booked for complaining about the decision to award Burnley a penalty which was scored by Ashley Barnes after Gabriel Osho was penalised for handling as Brazilian Vitinho attempted to lift the ball past him in the box. Lockyer was shown a red card straight after the goal for continuing his protests.
Burnley managed to hold on to the lead until the end of the match. Burnley are top of the log with 72 points as they seek a quick return to the English Premier League.
Luton Town will be hoping that Nakamba’s injury does not lead to a lengthy layoff for the Zimbabwean. Nakamba struggled to break into the Aston Villa starting lineup on his return from injury and eventually left for Luton Town after being informed he was not in Unai Emery’s plans at Villa Park.
Luton Town are fourth on the log with 50 points. They have a chance of playing in the EPL next season if they manage to maintain a spot in the top six and win the playoffs.
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Online Reporter