By Lusekero Mhango
KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-Chitipa United’s fine start to the TNM Super League season continued on Saturday afternoon after earning a hard fought 1-0 win over a spirited Bangwe All Stars inspired by a thunderous atmosphere at the Karonga Stadium.
Gidion Sululu’s well taken finish in the 14th minute of the encounter, proved decisive to earn the hosts fourth consecutive home win on the bounce.
Chitipa who came into the match smarting on a narrow 1-0 defeat to Red Lions in their last league fixture before the international break, saw them just do enough to edge out their fellow newly promoted side in a match that was characterized by a lack of goal-scoring opportunities.
After a low key start to the encounter where both teams were being wasteful with possession, the game came into life in the 14th minute as from a corner Sululu calmly tapped in a delicious Rajab Nyirenda delivery to put the hosts in the lead.
However despite having the better of the first half Chitipa failed to create any other notable chances to trouble Bangwe’s keeper Rahaman John.
In the second half the match continued where it had ended with both teams cancelling each other out in a stop-start half which was dominated by skirmishes as a result of physical challenges from both sides.
The visitors had more of the possession in the second half but struggled to create any chance of note until the introduction of the lively Chikumbutso Salima from the bench who forced George Chikooka into two wonderful saves in Chitipa’s goal as the visitors pressed for an equalizer.
Despite applying late pressure in the hunt for the equalizer the home side weathered out the late storm and hanged on to the precious three points.
In a post-match interview Bangwe All Stars coach Mabvuto Lungu, said the better team lost on the day as his lads were clearly the superior team.
“We should have won this game if it was not for questionable officiating but because we were playing away from home we accept the defeat and move on,” he said.
However his counterpart MacDonald Mtetemera , hailed his charges for the spirited win in a tough encounter.
“I thought we were excellent today we really dominated the game and the win was well deserved,” said an ecstatic Mtetemera.
With the win Chitipa United have climbed up to fourth in the league standings with 16 points from 10 games while Bangwe All Stars remain in 14th with 9 points from the same number of played games.