Neno’s Partners In Health in Pres Cup second round after seeing off Balaka Eagles

NENO(MaraviPost)—Neno district based football club, Partners In Health (PIH), has  proceeded to second round of the presidential cup regional playoffs after thumping Balaka Eagles on Monday afternoon at Neno Community ground.

Playing before a huge crowd, the game started at a high note with Eagles stamping authority in the early minutes as they exchanged excellent passes leaving the Neno based side chasing their own shadows. Eagles’ perfect start paid them just few minutes into the game as they opened the score sheet through their star Francis Kumanga, sending the PIH supporters into cathedral of silence.

After the goal, PIH woke up from their slumber and started producing sparks in all departments. Their defence marshaled by Allan Chasowa managed to contain the pressure, Isaac Zinjani and Felix Mithambo kept the engine room boiling as mascot Brighton Gomani put the Police men defence under siege with his rare antics.

The hosts came wave after wave in the visitors’ half and in the 32^nd minute they leveled the scores through Gomani with a beautiful through ball after poor communication between Eagles’ goal minder and his defenders. Few minutes later, Zinjani added another one, sending almost the whole stadium into wild celebration.

The state of affairs remained 2-1 in favour of PIH as the teams went to recess.

Come second half, both teams showed determination from the word go, but it was Eagles that looked hungrier for a goal. They attempted two long ranges but goalkeeper Jamison Bandule was equal to the task.

In the eleventh minute, PIH scored what turned to be the last nail on Balaka based giants’ coffin through Felix Mithambo. The goal boosted the morale of the home side that started dominating the proceedings leaving the Police men playing departmental football.

However, PIH’s defence early honeymoon in the 39^th minute saw Eagles’ striker Kumanga taking long range which caught goalkeeper Bandule off guard making it 3-2.

The Balaka side tried to get an equalizer but PIH defended jealously.

After the last whistle, the PIH mentor thanked his charges for playing according to instructions.

In the second round, PIH will take on the winner between Wizards FC and Sayama.