By Lusekero Mhango
KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-Karonga United’s mini-run of successive wins in the TNM Super League came to an end on Sunday afternoon after playing out a 1-1 draw with a battling Kamuzu Barracks FC in a hot-tempered match at the Karonga Stadium.
The hosts who came into the encounter on the back of impressive wins over Dedza Dynamos and Blue Eagles had to come from a goal behind to preserve their three games unbeaten runs.
Hope Namadzunda who masterminded Karonga’s exit from the FDH Bank Cup in the round of 32 when he provided both assists for the visitors’ 2-1 win at the same venue in June, continued to haunt the home side as he scored in the 10th minute to silence a boisterous home crowd.
However, the lead only lasted 5 minutes as in the 15th minute Josiah Duwa leveled the game for the hosts from the penalty spot following a handball by Mathews Zaulombo.
The keenly contested match which was characterized by skirmishes following bad tackles by both sides and refereeing decisions, saw Karonga have an off day in front of goal as a lack of composure deserted their forwards while the visitors hit the bar three times themselves.
Meanwhile, the stalemate leaves Karonga United in 7th place in the league standings with 18 points from 14 matches while Kamuzu Barracks remain in 10th position with 16 points from the same number of matches.
In a post-match interview, Karonga United assistant coach Luka Milanzi said he was satisfied with a point in a tough encounter.
“We showed a great fighting spirit from conceding early to battle through and get a point despite our profligacy in front of goal,” he said.
However, Kamuzu Barracks FC tactician Alick Chirwa, bemoaned the officiating in the match attributing it to his charges dropping crucial points.
“If it wasn’t for questionable refereeing we would be walking away with all the three points and this is what has frustrated me because we were clearly the better side today,” said a visibly frustrated Chirwa.
