By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The head coach of Blue Eagles Football Club Eliah Kananji, has said the outcomes of their upcoming matches against Red Lions and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC, scheduled for Saturday and Wednesday respectively, will be crucial in determining the club’s fate in the league.
Despite currently holding the 10th position on the TNM Superleague ladder with 27 points from 22 games, the Area 30-based side, Blue Eagles, is grappling with the looming threat of relegation.
Kananji views the Saturday match against fellow strugglers Red Lions Football Club at Balaka Stadium as pivotal in the relegation battle.
“It’s a vital game for the Blue Eagles FC family, but I must acknowledge that it won’t be an easy match. We previously met in the first round at home in Nankhaka, where we drew 1-1. This encounter comes at a crucial moment when everyone is seeking maximum points to secure their place in the league.
“After the Red Lions game, we’ll host Wanderers at home on Wednesday, and these two games will significantly impact our future in the league. Nonetheless, I am optimistic about collecting maximum points on Saturday,” said Kananji.
Leading up to Saturday’s game, Blue Eagles FC will be without three key players, McDonald Lameck, Paul Master, and Ian Chinyama, due to injuries.
However, Kananji downplayed concerns about their absence, emphasizing that they have a squad of 30 players.
“This situation provides an opportunity for other players to demonstrate their value to the team. We have safely arrived in Balaka, and the team’s morale is high,” added Kananji.
In their last seven meetings, Blue Eagles FC managed to secure only one victory, with the remaining six fixtures ending in draws.
Analyzing their past ten matches, Blue Eagles FC has won four games, including victories against Tigers (3-1), Red Lions FC (2-1), MAFCO FC (1-0), and Ekwendeni Hammers FC (2-1).
They drew two matches against Bangwe All Stars (2-2) and Mighty Tigers FC (0-0) and suffered losses to Ekwendeni Hammers FC (1-0), Big Bullets FC (3-0), Karonga United FC (0-1), Mighty Wanderers FC (1-0), and Moyale Barracks FC (0-1).
As of now, Blue Eagles FC occupies the 10th position with 27 points from 22 games. A victory on Saturday would propel them to the 8th position. On the other hand, Red Lions FC currently holds the 15th position with 18 points from 21 games.
Blue Eagles FC has scored 21 goals and conceded 22, resulting in a goal difference of 1. They have managed to keep four clean sheets.
Notable goal scorers for the team include Micium Mhone, Christopher Gototo, Tonic Viyuyi, and Richard Rapson, each with three goals.
Lanken Mwale, Sankhani Mkandawire, and Chikondi Mvula have found the back of the net twice, while Brighton Munthali (currently loaned out to Black Leopards), Schumacher Kuwali, and Steve Banda have scored one goal each.
