KB, Eagles face-off in league leadership battle

The TNM Super League title race continues this afternoon at Nankhaka ground in Lilongwe where Blue Eagles host Kamuzu Barracks (KB).

What makes the match interesting is that both sides are hunting for a historic league title win and any team that slip in today’s showdown will see either team’s dreams shattered.

With three games to wrap up the season, KB, Eagles, Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers have realistic chances of winning the league title.

KB are at the summit with 52 points while Bullets and Eagles are second and third, respectively, on 51 points apiece. Silver are fourth with 50 points.

If KB win, they will cling on to the leader-board. As for Eagles, they will only go top if they beat KB and hope that Bullets lose or draw their encounter against Dwangwa United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this afternoon.

“The league title will be the only solace for us this season after losing the Fisd Challenge Cup final to Be Forward Wanderers last weekend. Therefore, we will do our best to win our remaining games,” said KB coach Billy Phambala.

His Eagles counterpart DeKlerk Msakakuona had this to say: “With the league so close this will be a must-win game for us. We are doing anything to be at our utmost best. The good thing is that we have a home ground advantage.”

For KB, the combination of Manase Chiyesa and Kelvin Hanganda has been lethal in attack in all competitions this season and Phambala is banking his hopes on the duo’s efficiency up front.

In midfield, Harvey Mkacha, Dave Banda and Diouf Simaone are enjoying a verve of form and might also be the key formula this afternoon for the success of KB, who are expected to take on Karonga United and Dwangwa United in their last matches.

On the other hand, Eagles, who face Mafco and Bullets away in their last two games, will have an option on their attacking line. Msakauona will decide whether to use a combination of Maxwell Salambula and Stewart Mbunge or the pair of Junior Malidadi and Wister Phiri.  Veteran forward Charles Ngosi might also be thrown into the fray.

Muscular players Philip Masiye, Gio Banda and Japhet Mambelera will provide strength for the Eagles in the middle of the pack. n