By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Week 19 of the 2023 TNM Super League season continues on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 with the match involving the league strugglers Extreme FC and Mighty Tigers FC at Nankhaka Stadium in the Capital, Lilongwe.
Coming from a 3-1 loss to Blue Eagles FC on the same venue days ago, Mighty Tigers FC who are sitting on position 13 of the log table with 18 points from 19 games expects a tough encounter against 16th positioned Extreme FC.
Christopher Nyambose, Tigers’ coach admitted that it will be a tough game as both sides are fighting for their life in the elite league.
“This game will be like a final as a win will see us out of relegation zone. We are all positioned in the bottom of the table hence everyone wants to resurrect. Nevertheless, we have prepared for the game.
“We know we are coming from a 3-1 loss to Eagles but that is water under the bridge, our focus now is Extreme game, we can’t afford to lose all games here as the journey to the Southern region is too long”, said Nyambose.
He added, they will have a full squad on Tuesday as no player is injured or suspended.
He also revealed that his center back Alick Kambirinya who missed Blue Eagles game is back after serving three yellow cards suspension and described his presence as morale booster.
Elvis Kafoteka, Extreme FC assistant coach has also described the encounter against Tigers as crucial saying the result will determine their future in the league.
“It will be tough as we are fighting against relegation and a win will see as reducing the gap with teams which are above us.The preparations have gone very well and boys are eager to play. Indeed we drew against Silver whilst them suffered a 3-1 defeat to Eagles but that doesn’t give us an advantage but making the match tricky as we will be meeting all wounded buffaloes.”
“We have to put everything to win this game, we have to be cautious and work hard and play this game as a final and avoid demeaning our opponents”, said Kafoteka.
The former Malawi National Football team defender also revealed that his first goalkeeper Blessings Juma who got injured during Silver Strikers FC game is recovering well and is included on the travelling squad list to Area 30 Nankhaka Stadium.
Kafoteka has transformed the performance of Extreme as now they are able to play aggressive, passing and supporting kind of football and some glimpse of dribbling.
The Mchinji based side anchor the table with 14 points from 19 games having managed to win 3, drew 5 and lost 11.
Extreme recently defeated MAFCO FC 2-1 at Nankhaka Stadium before the barren draw with Silver.
Other games to be played on Wednesday, the defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC who are now sitting on third position after playing 17 games takes on Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium.
Karonga United FC entertains Moyale Barracks FC at Karonga Stadium, Ekwendeni Hammers FC host Bangwe All Stars FC at Rumphi Stadium, at the Balaka Stadium there will be an affair of the Malawi Defence Force sides Red Lions and MAFCO FC.
While week 20 on Saturday Ekwendeni Hammers FC play Extreme FC at Rumphi Stadium while Mighty Tigers FC takes on Chitipa United FC at Mpira Stadium and on Sunday Moyale Barracks FC will lock horns with Kamuzu Barracks FC at Rumphi Stadium while Karonga United FC host Blue Eagles FC who have just gained back their winning ways after defeating Tigers FC 3-1.