Chitipa fail to go top
Giant Killers Chitipa United lost an opportunity to reclaim the TNM Super League top spot when they lost 2-1 to Mighty Waka Waka Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre yesterday.
A win would have seen Nkhalamu Zga ku Chitipa displacing FCB Nyasa Bullets from the pinnacle of the top-flight league, but the Kau-Kau Boys were in total control and made good use of home ground advantage.
Following the loss, Chitipa remain third with 36 points from 20 matches, a point behind leaders Bullets.
Chitipa are tied on points with second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who have played a game less.
Prior to yesterday’s encounter, Chitipa coach McDonald ‘Nginde’ Mtetemera had vowed to win the match, but the answer from the marauding Tigers was no.
Precious Chiudza drew first blood at the stroke of half-time from close range before his namesake Precious Chipungu doubled the lead in the 51st minute through a header.
To add extra spice, Chiudza was fittingly named man of the match.
After this goal, Tigers appeared to have relaxed, allowing Chitipa to reorganise themselves.
The pressure led to the visitors pulling one back through Lorenzo Ghedo in the 79th minute when he rose to head home a China Chirwa cross.
The visitors fought for an equaliser, but the Tigers defence stood firm to bag full points at the end.
Following the win, Tigers are 11th with 24 points from 21 matches.
In a post-match interview, Mtetemera said his defence gifted Tigers two goals.
“We conceded cheap goals because of the unnecessary mistakes, but they are human beings and it happens in football,” he said.
On his part, Tigers coach Christopher Nyambose said it was a tough match.
He said: “They [Chitipa] have had too many sweet days and we are happy to bag full points, but it wasn’t an easy match.”
Elsewhere, Kamuzu Barracks beat fellow Malawi Defence Force side Moyale Barracks 0-1 at Rumphi Stadium courtesy of Olson Kanjira’s eighth minute strike while Karonga United and Blue Eagles played out a goalless draw at Karonga Stadium.
