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Other Sports, Sports, Top News

Moyale wings into FISD Cup semis

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

By Tione Andsen

Moyale Barracks on cloudy Sunday afternoon winged into the semi- final of FISD cup after sending packing, Blue Eagles with a 3-2 beating at Nankhaka ground in Area 30, Lilongwe.

The win has made the Kaning’ina outfit to join Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers in the last four of the tournament.

The 2017 FISD losing finalist, Moyale invaded the capital with a mission to accomplish to reach the semi for the second consecutive year running.

Capital City soccer fans had a feast with goals galore particularly in the first half of the encounter.

Moyale barracks went into lead two minutes into the game when Sandless Munthali planted home Gift Nyondo’s inviting cross beating Blue Eagles goalkeeper, John Soko from close range.

Five minutes later, Munthali was on song when he pulled a trigger which saw Eagle’s custodian, Soko tapping it over for corner kick.

Blue Eagles equalized through Stuart Mbungue in the 15 minute when Maxwell Salambula had outpaced Moyale central defender, Boyi-boyi Chima before laying a pass.

Three minutes later, Eagles took a 2-1 lead through Midfielder, Gilbert Chirwa deflected ball in the penalty box from Salambula power packed shot which eluded Moyale goalie, Symon Harawa.

In the 34th minute a well delivered free kick by Moyale left winger, Munthali was curved in by Nyondo before Lloyd Njaliwa levelled the scores.

Both teams went into the dressing for pep talk failing to figure out the outcome of the game which was promising goals.

Just a minute into second half, Eagles striker, Salambula squandered a chance in the box when Moyale defenders, Chima and Victor Mwale had miscalculated eagles move on the right flank but he blasted the ball over.

Moyale hit where it pains most in the 71st minute when their captain, Gastin Simukonda roofed the ball home beating Eagles keeper, Soko for the vital goal of the encounter.

The goal gave Moyale the zeal to push for more as a result just three minutes later substitute, Brown Magaga who came in for Dan Katunga, cross connected by Simukonda but was superbly saved by alert Eagle custodian, Soko.

Both teams made substitution, in the 75th minute, Moyale brought in Wiseman Kamanga for Munthali while Eagles pulled out Gregory Nachipo and Mecium Mhone for Mike Nyondo and Brian Msumatiza and later Mbungue was rested for Dennis Nandolo the move which yielded not results.

Eagles Coach, Derkelk Msakakuona admitted that Moyale were a better side and they approached the game with maturity.

“This is a bad a result to us taking into account that we are coming from strings of defeats. We need to go back and rectify our problems so that we should be able to finish the league well,” he added.

Moyale Assistant Coach, Victor Chingoka praised his charges for the commitment to the game saying despite trailing at one point they never gave up.

“We are glad that we have managed to beat Blues eagles three times this season and we knew that this game they will play hard in order to get results,” he explained.

Moyale will face Wanderers in the semi-final in a repeat of previous semi finals in Airtel and Carlsberg Cups in 2017 while Bullets will meet the win of the quarter tussle involving FISD Defending Champions, Kamuzu Barracks and Silver Strikers.

Mana/tha

 

Sports, TNM Super League, Top News

Karonga united thrushes Dwangwa to boost survival hopes 

Maravi Post Reporter

By Lusekero Mhango

Karonga United took a giant step towards staying up in the top flight after two goals from Antony Mfune, and one each from Charles Chilembo and Azizz Mwakifuna gave them a 4-2 win over fellow relegation threatened Dwangwa United in the TNM Super League on Saturday.

The result lifted the ingwinas out of the relegation zone and into 11th place with 34 points drop level with Dwangwa, TN stars and blue eagles

Reeling from a run of one win in their last 4 matches Karonga united put on one of their best performances of the season when they needed it most at Karonga stadium.

After 10 minutes of fanatic action, the home side took the lead in the 11th minute through Antony Mfune who fired in past a helpless Charles Thom following a darting run and cutback from Khumbo Msowoya.

Shalif Chamama missed a sitter 2 minutes later when he broke through and shot wide past the far post with only the goalkeeper to beat.

In the 20th minute Karonga doubled their led through Chilembo’s fine finish following a clever cross from the Azizz Mwakifuna.

With Dwangwa on the back foot the towering Mwakifuna powered in the 3rd 10 minutes before half time as Chilembo turned to provider.

In the second half Dwangwa began brightly as they sought a route back to the match and bossed possession and territory.

In the 73rd minute Sam Gunda curled in a superb free kick to give the away side a glimmer of hope.

As Karonga united took their step off the gas Dwangwa sensed blood and with 6 minute to go Gunda grabbed his second goal to leave the expected home cloud stunned.

However Antony Mfune killed any hopes of Dwangwa’s unlikely fightback 3 minutes later with a fantastic solo strike to calm the fanatic home fans nerves.

In a post-match interview Karonga united interim head coach Wilbaforce Longwe, expressed delight in his side’s display.

“We have had a difficult time lately and it was vital we won this game knowing our league position but we are delighted with our performance and victory,” he said.

Dwangwa United team manager Dave Mwandila blamed the defeat on Karonga  united supporters for alleged intimidation and harassment’s of his players before the match.

“The players were psychologically affected by the intimidation hence we begun the match slow and by the time we got our act together we were already 3 nil down but despite the defeat we are happy with the performance,” he explained.

Sports

Sports Minister Chiumia  to summon coach RVG, Flames players over poor performance

Maravi Post Reporter

 

Sports Minister to summon RVG, Flames players

The fallout between the country’s football fraternity and Malawi national football team coaches has reached critical levels, with the government planning to intervene on the matter.

It was clearly evident that Flames Coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) and his assistant Peter Mponda are no longer wanted as the two were booed on Tuesday at Kamuzu Stadium when Malawi under-23 drew 1-1 against Botswana.

Fans loudly protested each time RVG or Mponda stood to shout instructions to players on the pitch.

The atmosphere at the stadium was so tense that Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu was forced to use the dressing room exit after the match.

Nyamilandu is under fire for backing the Belgian and insisting that the Flames are on the right track despite registering no victory in their last five matches.

Minister of Labour, Youth Sports and Manpower Development, Grace Chiumia, who watched the Tuesday match, said she is planning to convene separate special meetings with RVG and his players to find solutions.

Chiumia was speaking in Parliament on Thursday when she was asked about the team’s dismal performance in recent years.

She said as a minister, she does not want to rush to pointing fingers at any one before meeting all the stakeholders.

“We understand all concerns about our team’s performance but we should not be quick to point fingers at some one. My plans are to meet the coach himself to find out from him and also meet the players separately without interference so that I appreciate what are the problems.

“After that, I will meet other stakeholders in the game. I believe that after the three meetings, we will manage to find the real reasons behind the problems that are there,” Chiumia said as quoted in the Malawi News .

Nyamilandu has refused to step down from his post, saying he would continue serving until the end of his term which expires in December next year.

Malawi failed to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals to be staged in Cameroon after losing 2-1 to Comoros.

The FAM boss further infuriated the country’s soccer lovers when he said that Malawi had lost to a France select side, claiming that most of the players Comoros featured in the match came from the European country.

In the qualifiers, the Flames have only managed a single 1-0 win over Comoros at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe but lost to Morocco 3-0 , Cameroon 1-0 before a goal-less draw and a 2-1 loss to the Indian Ocean island team whose population is less than 500,000.

Since RVG took over in April last year, the Flames have only won two games, drawing nine and lost eight out of 19 games. In the Afcon qualifiers, Malawi has scored just two goals against six.

Sports

eSwatini giants to hire former flames coach Kinnah Phiri

Maravi Post Reporter
eSwatini giants to hire Kinnah Phiri

The former Malawi football team coach Kinnah Phiri is reportedly on his way to eSwatini, formerly Swaziland, where that country’s Premier League giants Mbabane Swallows have offered him a short-term contract.

According to The Daily Times Kinnah, whose last coaching job was at Mochudi Chiefs in Botswana, was not readily available for comment Thursday, but Swallows General Manager, Sandile Zwane, did.

“Yes, we are hiring him on short-term [basis]. Actually, [we are hiring him] for Africa tournament as our coach is suspended,” Zwane said in a texted response to The Daily Times.

National Football Coaches Association General Secretary, Dave Mpima, Thursday said he was not aware of Kinnah’s offer in eSwatini. Malawian Charles Manda also coaches in eSwatini.

eSwatini leading newspaper, Times of Swaziland, has also confirmed Swallows’ offer to Kinnah.

Swallows were drawn against Simba of Tanzania in the 2019 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League but Caf suspended their coach Thabo Vilakati two months ago after reportedly attacking a ball-boy during a Champions League game against Clube Desportivo of Angola.

That Swallows opted for the Malawi’s all-time leading scorer (with 67 goals) is unsurprising. In his twilight, Kinnah played for, before coaching, another eSwatini side Manzini Wanderers in 1982.

Zwane alluded to these facts: “He is familiar with our football. He has a lot of respect among [sic] our players and supporters. He has a lot of experience in football.”

Kinnah sneaked out to eSwatini in frustration after then Malawi football authorities refused to clear him to sign a big money move to a Saudi Arabian team.

Eventually, Kinnah coached Manzini, paving the way for his appointment as deputy eSwatini coach. Kinnah returned home to coach Bullets in 2001. He made his name at the People’s Team as a prolific scorer.

Kinnah also coached Mbeya City FC in Tanzania, months after parting ways with Free State Stars of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, a team that also holds him in high esteem having had three stints with them.

Kinnah hit the headlines a few weeks ago when he issued a press release disputing reports that he had joined opposition UTM.

He attended the political party’s rally in Mzuzu and announced that he was joining them, only for him to make a U-turn, saying he was a member of the Democratic Progressive Party.

Kinnah also told the press that the government had earmarked him for a post of football director.

Sports

Malawi Under-23 beat Zebras

Maravi Post Reporter

Malawi Under-23 national football team came from behind to beat hosts Botswana’s Young Zebras 2-1 in the first leg of a 2020 Olympic Games qualifier at Lobatse Sports Complex in Gaborone yesterday.

The win is a big relief for the local football fraternity after the senior team lost 2-1 to Comoros Islands in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

Gregory Nachipo scored the winner in stoppage time to give the junior Flames a massive advantage heading into the Tuesday’s second leg at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

The hosts grabbed the lead after 21 minutes in the second-half through Mothusi Cooper but substitute Hassan Kajoke, who came in for Mike Mkwate, netted the equaliser before Nachipo scored for Malawi to claim a famous victory at the facility which was officially opened by late Bingu wa Mutharika on his tour of duty to Botswana during his eight-year presidency.

Under-23 coach Meke Mwase praised his charges for a hard fought victory which gives Malawi an advantage to progress to the next round.

“It was a wonderful performance from the players and we are really happy with the victory. But we need to keep the momentum so that we qualify for the next round,” Mwase told The Sunday Times said.

Malawi will host Botswana in the second leg at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

The overall winner between the two teams will face Zambia in the second round of the qualifiers.

Sports

End of the road; Flames faces defeat against Comoros in Afcon qualification

Maravi Post Reporter

Malawi national football team has, as expected, missed out on Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification after a 2-1 loss to Comoros Islands at Stade de Moroni Saturday.

Following Morocco’s 2-0 victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Friday night, the Flames needed a win to keep their dreams alive but went down to end their journey on a sad note.

Morocco are at the summit of Group B with 10 points from five games whereas Cameroon are second on eight points from the same number of games.

The Flames anchor the group with just four points from five games whereas Comoros have moved up to position three with five points from the same number of games.

By virtue of being hosts, Cameroon have already qualified for the finals alongside leaders Morocco.

Malawi host Morocco in the last game of the qualifiers which will be a ceremonial match at Kamuzu Stadium in March next year whereas Cameroon will meet Comoros.

In a game monitored on Times Radio, it took just one minute for the hosts to find the back of the net through Mohamed Fardou Ben who netted from a free kick, beating goalkeeper Charles Swini.

But the Flames had some chances to score through Chiukepo Msowoya and Gastin Simkonda but the leading TNM Super League goalscorers were wasteful in front of goal.

Msowoya squandered two golden chances including missing in a man-to-man situation. The two teams went for recess with the hosts leading 1-0. But the Flames came back a changed side and pushed for an equaliser.

Substitute Patrick Phiri, who came for Gastin Simkonda, gave Malawi false hopes when he scored the equaliser after 17 minutes in the second half.

But the joyful moment was shortlived as Comoros restored the lead two minutes later to end Flames’ hopes of making it to next year’s finals to be staged in Cameroon.

In the absence of striker Gabadinho Mhango and John Banda, Flames Coach Ronny van Geneugden started the game with a three-pronged frontline comprising Msowoya, Simkonda and Richard Mbulu but the trio failed to find the target.

It was once again another sad ending for the Flames in the Afcon qualifiers.

Malawi last qualifed for the Afcon finals in 2010 in Angola under the tutelage of Kinnah Phiri.

Flames assistant Coach, Peter Mponda, said there is hope in the squad despite missing the qualification.

“We conceded an early goal which disturbed us but after that, we took the game to them and we got the goal. Unfortunately, we conceded another goal which completely ended our hopes. It is painful for us but the players tried their best,” Mponda said.

Starting line ups: Malawi- Swini, Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi, John Lanjesi, Precious Sambani, Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Levison Maganizo, Yamikani Chester, Mbulu, Simkonda, Msowoya.

Comoros- Boina Ben, Abdou Nadjim, Alhadhur Chaker, Bachirou Fouad, Changama Yousouf, M’Dahoma Kassim, Chamed Nasser, Assana Aadil, Bakari Said, Abdallah Kassim, Fardou

Sports

Flames coach RVG names four professionals for Comoros Islands 2019 African of Nations qualifers

Maravi Post Reporter

 

 

Malawi national football team Coach Ronny van Geneudgen (RVG) has named four professionals in the Flames

Mzava will miss the game alongside injured Gerald ‘Papa’ Phiri Junior and the suspended duo of Gabadinho squad to face Comoros Islands in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group B qualifier set for November 17.

RVG has maintained his trust in Japan-based Jabulani Linje while Charles Swini, Frank Banda and Richard Mbulu, who ply their trade in Mozambique, are also part of the squad. But Captain Limbikani Mzava is conspicuously missing from the final list.

Mhango and Christopher John Banda.

RVG, who was also overseeing under-23 national football team preparations for a 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualifier against Botswana, has also named a 20-member squad for the side which is full of young and promising players such as Peter Banda, Chimwemwe Idana, Hassan Kajoke, Ben Manyozo and Haji Wali.

The Belgian mentor said he is confident that both teams will impress during their forthcoming international assignments.

The Flames are third in the group with four points from four games whereas Cameroon lead with eight points.

Morocco are second with seven points while Comoros anchor the table with two points.

The Malawi senior squad will leave for comoros on Wednesday with the under-23 team departing following day.

The following is the full senior squad:

Goalkeepers— Brighton Munthali, Charles Swini

Defenders: Stanley Sanudi, John Lanjesi, Yamikani Fodya, Peter Cholopi, Chembezi Denis, Gomezgani Chirwa, Precious Sambani

Midfielders:— Alfred Manyozo jnr, Levison Maganizo, Chikoti Chirwa, Strikers and wingers: Felix Zulu, Chiukepo Msowoya, Patrick Phiri, Gastin Simukonda, Yamikani Chester, Jabulani Linje, Frank Banda, Richard Mbulu

Under-23 squad:

Goalkeepers— Charles Thom, Rabson Chiyenda

Defenders: Trevor Kalema, Mark Fodya, Charles Petro, Kelvin Kadzinje, Lawrence Chaziya, Haji Wali, Midfielders: Chimwemwe Idana, Mike Mkwate, Gregory Nachipo, Ben Manyozo, Ernest Tambe, Francis Mkonda

Strikers and wingers: Peter Banda, Isaac Kaliyati, China Chirwa, Laurent Banda, Batison Chikaiko, Hassan Kajoke

Sports, TNM Super League, Top News

Masters Security end Big Bullet’s unbeaten run; TNM Super League

Ufulu
vincent-nyangulu-masters

 

DEDZA-Masters Security FC  on Saturday became the first team to end Nyasa Big Bullets’ unbeaten run in the TNM Super League as they beat the league leaders 1-0 at Dedza Stadium.

It was Bullets’ first league loss of the season having played 26 games. Masters are slowly becoming Bullets’ nightmare after the Lilongwe-based side also defeated the giants 4-3 on post-match penalties in the Carlsberg Cup semifinals.

Francis Mkonda scored for Masters from a rebound after Enerst Kakhobwe had earlier saved Adeboye Babatunde’s attempt just minutes into the second-half.

This is Kalisto Pasuwa’s first loss since he took over the reigns at Bullets.

But Bullets still have the advantage of winning the league as they are at the summit of the table with 61points from 26 games whereas Masters are still fifth with 38 points from 27 games.

Both sides had chances throughout the game but Masters were more determined to claim the famous win.

Bullets’ Nelson Kangunje was guilty of missing a clear chance in the first-half as he fired wide to the disappointment of Bullets fans.

It was a bad day for Bullets as they were second on the ball for the better part of the game.

The People’s Team finished the game with 10 men after Sankhani Mkandawire was red-carded after a second booking.

Masters Coach Abasi Makawa said it felt good to end Bullets’ record: “It is quite amazing and I am very pleased with the players. We were determined and we deserved the victory.”

In other games played yesterday, Be Forward Wanderers came from behind to thrash relegated Nchalo United 6-1 at Kamuzu Stadium to dislodge Silver Strikers from second position on goal difference.

The match was shrouded in controversy following a fight involving supporters, one of whom collapsed at half time.

Commotion ensued at the open stands as police and stewards embarked on a manhunt while St John’s Ambulance personnel offered first aid to the injured who appeared motionless.

Nchalo went ahead in the sixth minute through a Eddie Chanyuka strike before Zicco Mkanda equalised on the dot of half-time.

In the second half, Mkanda completed his hat-trick whereas defender Stanley Sanudi, Yamikani Chester and Precious Sambani also scored a goal each.

Wanderers and Silver are now tied on 52 points but the Central Bankers have the chance to recover with a win or draw as the face TN Stars at Kasungu Stadium today.

In Mzuzu, Moyale worsened Mafco’s relegation woes after beating them 1-0 at Mzuzu Stadium courtesy of Gastin Simkonda’s goal whereas Kamuzu Barracks and Red Lions shared points in a barren draw at Civo Stadium.

There are two more matches today with Mzuni hosting Mafco at Mzuzu Stadium while Civil Sporting Club and Dwangwa United are in action at Civo.

Sports

2018/2019 CAF; Malawi’s Big Bullets drawn against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia as Silver Strikers face Gabonese side

Maravi Post Reporter

Malawi’s representatives in Confederation of African Football (Caf) competitions, Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers, have been handed tough draws in their respective competitions.

 

The draw, which was conducted last Saturday in Morocco, has pitted Bullets against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia in the Champions League whereas Silver will face Gabonese side Association Omnisport Center Mberi Sport (AO CMS) in the preliminary rounds of the Confederation Cup.

 

According to a draw released by Caf Friday, Bullets will start away in Kenya on November 27/28 in Nairobi before hosting Mahia a week later at Kamuzu Stadium while Silver will also begin their campaign away to Gabon before playing at home.

 

The last time Bullets and Mahia played each was in the 1982 Cecafa Club Championship and the match ended 1-1.

 

The winner between Bullets and Mahia will face either Lobi Stars of Nigeria or Cameroon’s US Loum in the first round of the elite continental club competition.

 

Bullets Chief Executive Officer Fleetwood Haiya said his side would prepare well for the Kenyan side.

 

“We are not scared of facing any team because we are also a big team. As you know, we are travelling to Tanzania and Zanzibar for friendly games. It is good that we will be playing against Simba and JKU who are in the same region as Gor Mahia,” Haiya said as quoted in Malawi Newspaper of Times Group.

 

Bullets have hired Zimbabwean mentor Calisto Pasuwa ahead of the tournament and started their preparations with a 2-0 win over JKU about three weeks ago.

 

Mahia have also been preparing for the competition and lost 4-0 to Premier League side Everton at Goodson Park in England.

 

Silver assistant Coach Lovemore Fazili told the paper that his charges need at least one strength-testing match before facing the Gabonese side.

 

“I think they are our match. We do not need to panic. We just have to play one friendly game before facing them. I am sure we can pull a surprise if we prepare well for the game,” Fazili said.

 

But local football analyst Higger Mkandawire described the draw as tough for both Silver and Bullets. He said Bullets should expect a hostile atmosphere against the Kenyan giants who have noisy supporters.

 

“We all know Gor Mahia. They are a good team, so Bullets should expect a tough match especially in the first leg. They are strong at home with a vocal crowd. On the part of Silver, they should make sure that they get something in the away match in Gabon,” Mkandawire said.

 

Bullets are making a return to the competition since 2015 when they were knocked out of the competition after losing 6-2 on aggregate in the second round against Sudan’s Al Hilal whereas Silver have gone 25 years without taking part in any Caf tournament.

 

Mahia, also known as K’Ogalo are based in Nairobi and have won the Kenyan Premier League 17 times, four more than their rivals AFC Leopards, who were coached by Malawi’s Reuben Malola in the early 1990s.

Sports

English Premier League Upcoming Games

MaraviPost

Another season of the English Premier League has started. The first games have already shown that it won’t be a smooth sailing even for the recognized leaders. The main surprise was the successful performance of Watford, who managed to break into the list of favorites.

Premier League
English Premier League Upcoming Games

The start of the season was completely different for some teams; their chances of success were regarded approximately equal. And while Watford managed to prove themselves positively, West Ham crashed and burnt completely, and even the coach of the Hammers Manuel Pellegrini agreed with that. The team was active at the transfer market, however, new players are still struggling to fit into the existing lineup. Moreover, some of them didn’t make it to the starting lineup; this fact arises questions about the reasonability of such transfers.

Free livescore shows that much depend on the individual skill of the players, as well as the coherence of their game. A clear example of this is the game between Manchester United and Tottenham, during which the hosts had many more successful moments, but ruined everything. It led to confident victory of the Spurs with a score of 0:3 and a noticeable increase of rumors about the future of Jose Mourinho in the Red Devils.

 

Speaking of the premier league fixtures, it’s worth highlighting the confrontation between Chelsea and Liverpool among September games.

 

Main Game of Month

Both teams look very good at the start. They please the fans with bright and attacking game, as well as good results. Both teams started with several wins in a row and their face-to-face confrontation is a chance for both of them to achieve the leadership. However, we should not forget that Manchester City is right behind them, intending to protect its champion title.

At this stage, the chances of Chelsea and Liverpool are almost the same. The teams are not tired yet, so we can expect that they will do their best to show good results.