TNM Super League: Eagles frustrate Azam Tigers

Azam Tigers remain winless at home in this TNM Super League campaign after they let slip an early lead to draw 1-1 with Blue Eagles at Kamuzu Stadium on today, Saturday.
Left winger Yamikani Chester’s 21st minute finish was erased four minutes later by midfielder Phillip Masiye’s goal-of-the season contender as both teams remained on eight points.
The result of the game played on a cool afternoon at an empty stadium had the Eagles failing to defeat Tigers for a third consecutive league game. The Eagles climbed temporarily to second as Tigers went third.

Assistant coach for the Eagles Wilson Chidati had no qualms with the result, saying both teams were so anxious to get to the league summit.
Tigers’ mentor Gerald Phiri Senior was a frustrated with the visitors’ long-ball game.
“Blue Eagles were playing long balls from defence to striking force. They did not allow us to play our usual game. We were unable to use midfielders. It is a bad result losing two points at home when we are able to also get two points away,” Phiri lamented.
Yet, the start to the only league game of the day was frantic. Eagles thought they had scored in a matter of seconds from the opening whistle, but impressive referee Keston Mnenula correctly ruled striker Maxwell Salambula’s effort offside.
Once both teams settled down, the game descended into boring defending mode with Masiye starving Diverson Chilemba of any ball, thereby cutting the supplies to twin striker Peter Katsonga.
However, Katsonga had his presence felt when he fired hard and long for Eagles goalkeeper John Soko to spill the ball wide of the goal mouth. Popping at the right corner, Chester tapped the ball into the net.
The lead was short-lived though. Masiye won the ball closer to the centre circle and pulled the trigger with his rising shot beating Tigers goalkeeper Nenani Juwaya with sheer power and speed as it crashed against the post, before curling into the net.
The fans could only scream in amazement. Little did the fans realise that would be the last goal as the second half had Masiye and Gilbert Chirwa pumping long balls forward with man-of-the-match Patrick Thupi also doing likewise for the Kau Kau.
The sight of talented Chester being substituted for Dan Sibale in the last stages of the game, proved that this was indeed not a game for playing, but defending.