Tigers return with win over Balaka Socials
Azam Tigers bounced back into action on Saturday with a 4-0 comfortable win over Balaka Socials at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to qualify for the second-round of the Presidential Cup.
It was an inspiring result for the Kau-Kau Boys who were involved in a road accident recently that left several of their players injured, a development that forced FAM to put their games on hold to give the team ample time to reorganise themselves.
Youthful striker Isaac Kaliati’s first-half hat-trick was the centrepiece of Tigers comeback and they were in the comfort zone going to recess as they led 3-0. For scoring a hat-trick, Kaliati got the match ball.
And by the time Chikondi Mpulula struck the fourth goal, it was over for the social outfit, who despite their brave showing in the second-half, were not a threat to Tigers.
Balaka’s team manager Harold Kachepatsonga attributed the loss to inexperience on the part of his charges.
“The other contributing factor was that we were playing on artificial turf for the first time and that is why we struggled in the first-half, but we picked up in the last half in which we conceded only one goal and created a number of chances.
“That said, we are proud to have reached this stage of the competition, considering that we are just a social team. We have learnt our lessons and to Azam Tigers, we say all the best,” said Kachepatsonga.
Tigers assistant coach McDonald ‘Jima-Jima’ Yobe praised his charges for what he described as a vintage performance.
“Considering that we did not have a full-strength squad and we have just beefed up the team with some new players, the performance was satisfactory,” said Yobe.
He also cited the youthful Kaliati as having been outstanding.
“He is an up-and-coming striker, but he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and stood up to be counted by claiming a hat-trick,” said Yobe.
The Tigers assistant coach further said they are hoping to welcome back at least three players who got injured during the accident this week,” he said.
