Civo survival Hopes dampened

Mafco FC yesterday dampened Civo United’s survival chances in the TNM Super League with a 1-0 beating at Chitowe ground in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.

Mafco’s priceless goal by Kingsley Nkhonjera in the sixth minute ensured that Civo United remain stuck on 15th place on the 16-team log-table with 21 points from 27 games.

This means they will be relegated if they lose in their remaining games because it will be hardly possible for them to displace other relegation battlers PremierBet Wizards and Karonga United, who stunned hosts Epac FC at Civo Stadium yesterday with a 4-2 beating. Wizards and Karonga are tied on 27 points.

Civo, who were hoping to register a win after sidelining coach Charles Manda, will have three free points from their fixture against disbanded Max Bullets. However, they will have to fight for dear life against title contenders Nyasa Big Bullets and Azam Tigers in the other assignments.

“I really do not know what to say after this painful loss. Please, let me make no further comments,” said Civo general secretary Ronald Chiwaula in a telephone interview after the match.

As for Mafco, their victory has no effect on their log-table standing as they have remained glued to fifth place with 50 points from 28 games, the same points as fourth-placed Silver Strikers, who have a game in hand.

Mafco coach Thomas Maloya said: “Let us see what happens after the remaining matches. I am just pleased that we have won.”

At Civo Stadium, William Mwaliwamba scored for Karonga barely two minutes after kickoff, but Ranken Mwale notched Epac’s equaliser from the spot-kick before planting in another goal to put his team in front.

However, Khumbo Msowoya’s goal levelled the scores for Karonga before striker Jussab Mpachika put them ahead. Msowoya completed his second from the penalty spot.

Kamuzu Barracks remain at the summit of the table with 52 points from 27 matches while second-placed Big Bullets and third-positioned Blue Eagles are tied on 51 points from the same number of games.

In another encounter yesterday, Be Forward Wanderers rued missed scoring chances as they settled for a one-all draw with visitors Moyale Barracks at the MDC Stadium in Blantyre.

Isaac Kaliati scored for Wanderers in the 28th minute after connecting home Mike Kaziputa’s cross, but Moyale restored parity in the 50th minute when Gastin Simkonda rounded off Nomads goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa before making a simple finish.

Wanderers’ team manager Steve Madeira admitted they were better placed to win the match, but some of the players ucould not rise to the occasion.

“Some players failed to prove their worth,” Madeira said.

On the other hand, Moyale coach Collins Nkuna said they are satisfied with the draw although a win could have made a big difference.

Wanderers and Moyale remain sixth and seventh on the table with 45 points and 41 points, respectively. n