By Lusekero Mhango
KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-TNM Super League rookies Ekwendeni Hammers put on a breath-taking performance to underline why they are the king of the north by easing past Karonga United 3-1 in a league encounter played on Saturday.
A brace from Zikani Kasambala who also saw red for two yellow cards and a strike from Mabuchi Msiska was enough for the inform visitor’s while Karonga scored through Chrispin Mhangana.
The win ensured that the newly promoted side collected a historic six maximum points in their two assignments in Karonga after also humbling Chitipa United by the same score line the previous day.
The match played in front of an empty Karonga Stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions saw the home side begin the game strongly by taking an early lead in only the second minute of the match through a powerful 18-yard strike by Mhangana.
However, the setback only inspiredEkwendeni into action as they took control of the proceedings.
In the 26th minute of the match the visitors were rewarded for their enterprising play by equalizing through the impressive Kasambala who coolly finished off a flowing team move past a helpless Yona Milanzi.
In the 39th minute of the encounter Kasambala grabbed himself a brace by converting from the spot after Lusekelo Malema was judged to have handled the ball inside his box.
Despite going a goal behind the hosts continued to struggle to get any foot-hold of the game despite dominating the lion share of possession in the second half while also having a man advantage after Zikani Kasambala was given his marching orders for two yellow-cards in the 69th minute.
However, with 12 minutes to go the inform away side ensured all of the three points curtesy of a fantastic Mabuchi Msiska header following a well-coordinated team move from the right-hand side of the area.
Speaking in a post-match interview Ekwendeni Hammers coach Edson Kadenge, expressed delight in his side’s two victories in the lakeshore district.
“As a coach I could not be happier and prouder of these boys because what they have achieved is no mean feat in picking up six maximum points and they will go down in history for this,” said a delighted Kadenge.
However,Karonga United coach Dan Dzinkambani, offered to hand in his notice as the team’s coach following the defeat.
“Maybe there is something that I’m doing wrong because today’s performance was beyond my control as the players simply did not turn up hence I must resign if that is the case,” said a visibly shaken Dzinkambani.
With the six maximum points realised in Karonga, Ekwendeni Hammers have climbed up to second on the log table with goal-difference keeping them second from Silver Strikers who both have 19 points while Karonga United stay in 9th with 11 points.
