….Kamuzu Barracks 2-1 Karonga United
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The excitement in Malawi’s Super League continued on Thursday, May 30, 2024, as Kamuzu Barracks defeated Karonga 2-1 in their week 9 encounter at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Soldiers’ sharp weapons Zelliat Nkhoma and Hope Namadzunda scored for the side in a highly perennial rivals’ fierce battle.
Zelliat Nkhoma started the job in the 15th minute, scoring from a long-range drive from outside the box, beating Karonga United’s McLean Mwale in goals.
Two minutes later, the Chioko boys banged another goal through Hope Namadzunda after connecting a well-taken corner kick from the former Blue Eagles’ Gregory Nachipo at the 17th minute into the half.
Karonga started pressing to get equalizing goals but their attackers failed to utilize the chances.
In the 20th minute, the Crocodiles played two corner kicks in succession, which the soldiers cleared.
In the 30th minute Karonga’s Saulos Moyo missed a chance after beautifully dribbling past Kamuzu Barracks’ Herbert Wayekha.
At the 32nd minute, the Soldiers nearly stretched the lead through Boston Daniel but his shot outside the box missed the upright by an inch.
As the first half nearly came to a close, the Crocodiles from Kyungu River started spitting fire, winning more free kicks in Kamuzu Barracks’ half but failed to yield something.
In the 44th minute, Karonga reduced the arrears through Saulos Moyo who scored from Blessings Mwalilino’s neat pass and a few minutes later, the half ended.
Kamuzu Barracks started the second half with a change as Ndaona Daisi replaced Redson Nkhoma. The visitors started the second stanza strongly.
Karonga United’s Nanison Mbewe was cautioned with a yellow card for a foul on Ndaona Daisi in the 51st minute.
The Crocodiles kept pressing for the goals but lacked marksmanship and composure to find goals.
Zelliat Nkhoma missed another chance for Kamuzu Barracks in the 60th minute who failed to just chip the ball over McLean Mwale in goals hence the goal stopper cleared the ball away for a corner kick.
Soldiers coach Charles Kamanga introduced Chifundo Makawa for Boston Daniel and Karonga United coach Oscar Kaunda replied by taking out Alfred Chizinga for Kennedy Mwakabaghe.
As the match approached its end, Oscar Kaunda was red-carded for unsporting behavior after he assaulted the match official in disagreement with some decisions.
Soon after this incident, the match ended, and later on, Kamuzu Barracks’ Zelliat Nkhoma was voted man of the match as his side moved to second position on the ladder with 18 points from 9 games, 4 points adrift of leaders Silver Strikers who have 22 from 8 games.
In his reaction, Kamuzu Barracks head coach Charles Kamanga acknowledged it was a difficult game against the Crocodiles from Kyungu River.
“They wanted to return home Karonga with something, hence showed intent of winning, especially in the second half but my boys kept the narrow lead. This is promising to be a tough season hence we have to improve in tactical approach,” Kamanga said.
His counterpart, Oscar Kaunda accepted the defeat saying they created numerous chances that they failed to utilize.
Kaunda added that he is upbeat about doing well in the remaining games of the first round.
The TNM Super League week 9 continues on Friday, May 31, 2024 as Civil Service United hosts Baka City at Civo Stadium.
