Blue Eagles yesterday moved two places up to dislodge Mighty Wanderers from the FDH Bank Premiership summit following a 3-2 hard-fought victory over Karonga United at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Malawi Police Service outfit leads the 16-team elite league with 16 points from seven games, two points ahead of Wanderers and Silver Strikers, who were second and third, respectively, before Masters FC faced Creck Sporting Club by press time last evening at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Yesterday, hosts Eagles had to restore their lead twice before sealing victory against their resilient visitors.
Eagles: Mzunda.
| Courtesy of Blue Eagles
“This was a very difficult match for us, but I am happy that we emerged victorious in the end. This win is a big boost in our campaign,” said Eagles coach DeKlerk Msakakuona, whose side has now registered five wins, a draw and one loss.
Eagles broke the deadlock through Webster Mzunda in the 10th minute before Karonga restored parity 18 minutes later through Lennox Kiwambe’s penalty. The hosts took the lead again in the 35th minute with Enock Jobo’s strike, but Karonga equalised again four minutes later through Elias Muyanga for the first half to end two-all.
The match appeared to be balanced in the second stanza, but Bernet Konyo’s strike in the 53rd minute was enough for Eagles to secure maximum points.
Mzunda, who also had an assist in Eagles’ second goal, was voted Player-of-the-Match.
Karonga coach Audlow Makonyola, whose side remains ninth with eight points after seven games, said they were just unlucky as his charges did everything right to earn maximum points.
In another interesting clash yesterday, FCB Nyasa Bullets beat hosts Kamuzu Barracks (KB) 2-1 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe to remain the only unbeaten side after seven rounds of matches so far.
Ephraim Kondowe put Bullets in the lead with just nine minutes of play but Olson Kanjira levelled matters for KB in the 65th minute. An own goal by Samuel Chibvunde in the 90th minute gave Bullets the victory.
At Zomba Stadium, hosts Red Lions narrowly beat Chitipa United 1-0 to move three steps up the ladder and displace Ekhaya FC from the fifth place.
Moyale Barracks of Mzuzu also improved their stand by four steps to occupy sixth place following their 2-0 victory over Luanar Mitundu FC from Lilongwe at Rumphi Stadium.
