.…..Tigers 2-2 FOMO
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Mighty Tigers head coach Leo Mpulula expressed concern over the team’s inconsistency in the ongoing 2024 TNM Super League season.
Mpulula made these remarks on Saturday, July 27, after the Kau-Kau Boys came from a 2-0 deficit in the first half to score two quick goals in the final stanza, forcing a 2-2 draw against rookies FOMO at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
“I’m not pleased with the game’s outcome. We conceded two quick goals, which worries me, as we’re not consistent. We impress and give hope that we’re changing for the better, but the next match is another story. Nevertheless, thanks to the boys for earning a point,” Mpulula said.
Friends of Mulanje Orphans (FOMO) started strong, scoring in the 8th minute through Hussein Hassan’s goal, set up by Shukuran Mwawa, and stretched their lead to 2-0 in the 22nd minute with Hassan Lwemba’s stunning goal. The first half ended with the visitors leading 2-0.
Following FOMO’s two quick goals, the Kau-Kau boys woke up from their slumber and pressed for equalizing goals. But their efforts proved futile as the half ended in favor of the rookies.
Coach Leo Mpulula reacted by making a double substitution in the second half, bringing on Frank Chizuze and Ben Manyozo for Masambelo Kalua and Chimwemwe Ibrahim.
Soon after the change, Precious Chipingu delivered a beautiful ball to Shadreck Daniel, who pulled one back for the home side in the 53rd minute.
Tigers equalized through Precious Chipungu in the 58th minute, canceling FOMO’s first-half lead.
The Leo Mpulula’s boys then dominated, keeping FOMO in their own half, but their efforts didn’t pay off as they missed numerous chances.
In the 80th minute, Chipungu scored, but the referee spotted offside and ruled the goal out; soon, the match ended.
FOMO’s Hassan Hussein was later voted player of the match.
In reaction to the result, FOMO head coach Gilbert Chirwa acknowledged his team’s lack of experience after giving away a 2-0 lead.
“The boys played well despite giving away our 2-0 lead. I think we’re lacking experience; if you noted towards the end of the match, some looked rigid and tired. At the end, a point gained is not bad,” said Chirwa, who joined FOMO this season from Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos.
The match wrapped up the 2024 season for both sides, with each having played 15 games.
Tigers are sitting on 12th position with 15 points, having won 3 games, drawn 6, and lost 6.
Newcomers FOMO are 13th on the ladder with 15 points, having won 4 games, drawn 3, and lost 8.
