By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Ignicious Makoloni’s 87th minute goal at Maliri ground on Saturday denied St Gabriel Medicals opportunity of going top of the group B.
Medicals were the first to score in the beginning of the second half through Nelson Sapulata after first half ended goalless draw.
However the Namitete based side failed to contain Mbabvi United as its defence made blunder after losing concentration which gave experienced Makoloni room to punish them.
It was a balanced game so to say, in group B which is tamed group of death in Chipiku,which is comprising of Dwangwa United, Silver Strikers Reserve, St Gabriel Medicals, Mbabvi United, Kamuzu Barracks RSV, Mitundu Strikers FC and Panthers FC.
The win for St Gabriel Medicals could see them ascending to top position with 16 points from 8 games displacing Dwangwa United who have 14 points from 8 games.
Mbabvi United also needed a victory which could see them ascending to second position though equalling points with Medicals but goal differences would have separated the two.
With the draw,St Gabriel Medicals now have 14 points from 8 games on position 2 while Mbabvi United have moved on position 3 with 14 points too.
Martin Mthetho Mkamanga, Coach St Gabriel Medicals, acknowledged it was a tough game against Mbabvi and cited poor marking as reason his charges conceded late goal.
He added they will prepare for the upcoming games.
Assistant coach for Mbabvi United, Justine Waya, was not happy with the officiation especially in the second half but described St Gabriel Medicals as a good side who gave them a good run.
Waya was however upbeat of finishing in top four and play in the second round.
In group C match involving Airborne Rangers FC and Mchinji Boma Strikers FC ended prematurely at Airborne Rangers ground.
The host were awarded a penalty in the early minutes of the first half which the visitors felt it was a dubious one hence boycotting the play.
Officials tried to reason with Mchinji Boma Strikers FC players but insisted not to continue with the play.
At this time the game was still at nil nil.In the first game which was played at Mchinji Community Ground in the first set of the first round, the flying soldiers from parachute Battalion won 3-5.
Airborne Rangers FC are comfortably leading the group with 24 points from 8 games,they are yet to test a defeat this season.
Mchinji Boma Strikers FC are on position 7 with 6 points from 7 games.
