The Maravi Post

LILONGWE--Civo United FC on Saturday, August 18, 2012 failed to exact revenge on Red Lions FC, who once again silenced the servants with a 2-0 beating in a TNM Super League match played at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

Having fallen by the same margin at the hands of the soldiers in the Presidential Cup at the same venue last month, many thought the Alex Masanjala boys would inflict revenge on the Lions and become the first team to defeat Red Lions in the league this season but it was never to be. The hosts started on an impressive note, creating some early chances but their strikers- Welani Nyirenda and Martin Masoatheka failed to turn the chances into goals.

Masoatheka had all the time on earth to squeeze the ball past Lions goalkeeper Brighton Ngwenyama after beating the visitors’ off-side trap but he unbelievably shot wide with just the Lions’ goalkeeper at his mercy.

The hosts were to pay for the wastefulness in the 22nd minute, when Lions scored from their first real chance of the game. The goal came from Kelvin Katema, who headed home a cross from Boniface Kaulesi.

The Lions took over control of the proceedings after the goal and were home and dry ten minutes into the last half, when Dan Katunga hit the second goal after a communication break-down between Civo defence and goalkeeper Onani Nsengwa.

Masanjala conceded defeat after the final whistle, blaming his charges for failing to take the early chances.

“We prepared well but may be they prepared better than us. We created a lot of chances but our striking force was not that sharp today. Although Red Lions were physical, they played some good touches and deserved to get the full points,” said the veteran coach after the final whistle.

His counterpart, Collins Nkuna said he was happy to bag the maximum points and maintain the unbeaten record, saying he was looking forward to another good performance against Kamuzu Barracks at the same venue on Sunday.

With the win, Red Lions has now taken over the second position from Civo, who are now third with 22 points from 13 games. The Reds have 24 points from 10 games and can finish the first round on top if they win all their remaining four first round games.

Silver are still topping the chart with 28 points from 12 games.
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Innocent Kumchedwa contributed to this reporty. ©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.