…..Bangwe 0-2 Chitipa
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Lions of Chitipa roared triumphantly at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre on Wednesday, scoring two second-half goals to secure maximum points and claim the top position in the league table, while Bangwe All Stars FC squandered numerous opportunities.
Chitipa United broke the deadlock in the 80th minute through Lorenzo Ghedo, ending a match that seemed destined for a goalless stalemate.
In the dying minutes of the second half, Godfrey Kwiyokwa netted the second goal, sealing a victory for the Lions.
The victory propelled them to the summit of the TNM Superleague with 39 points, displacing defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC, who have 37 points from 18 games, while Chitipa has played 21.
Chikumbutso Salima of the home team missed a crucial one-on-one opportunity with goalkeeper Chikooka, who was outstanding throughout the match.
His exceptional performance not only benefited the team but also earned him the Farmers Organization Limited Player of the Match award.
Bangwe, in search of goals, made several changes; Sheriff Shamama replaced James Tambwali, Mathews Masamba, and Emanuel Saviel replaced Aaron Chilipa and Kondwani Chilembwe.
Chitipa United FC now holds the top spot with 39 points from 21 games, followed by FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC with 37 points from 18 games.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC is in third place with 36 points from 19 games, and Silver Strikers FC sits in fourth place with 33 points from 19 games.
Reacting after the match Bangwe All Stars FC Head Coach Abel Mkandawire said the match was good and created a lot of chances.
Mkandawire however acknowledged Chitipa United FC came for the party today hence making several crucial saves.
“We are performing well as Bangwe All Stars FC, and what we need to do is motivate the boys,” Mkandawire said.
Chitipa United FC Head Coach McDonald Mtetemera attributed the victory to the second-half changes he made.
“Our team relies on every player. You saw the three changes we made completely changed the complexion of the game, and we played our style of football.
“I am not particularly thrilled about being at the top of the table, my primary goal in Chitipa was to rebrand the team into a force to be reckoned with in the next two years. Nevertheless, I’m pleased that the boys are executing our instructions,” says Mtetemera.
Meanwhile, in Chitowe, Dwangwa MAFCO FC defeated Civil Service United FC 2-0, courtesy of goals from Stain Malata in the 31st and 34th minutes.
The victory allowed MAFCO FC to move out of the relegation zone with 24 points, securing the 12th position from 21 games.
Civil Service United FC now occupies the 11th position with 24 points from 20 games, having suffered back-to-back losses.
The team entered Tuesday’s game after a 3-2 loss to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC.
Civil next challenge is against the struggling Blue Eagles FC, which returned to the relegation zone with 21 points from 20 games, currently sitting in 14th place.