…..Mzuzu Hammers 1-0 Kamuzu Barracks
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Mzuzu City Hammers football club defeated the Malawi Defence Force outfit, Kamuzu Barracks 1-0 to end their five-game unbeaten run in the 2024 TNM Super League season.
Isaac Msiska hammered the soldiers in the 44th minute of the first half at the Mzuzu Stadium.
The home side showed intent in winning the match as they started the half on a lighter note, dominating the Soldiers, who played in their own half for the good part of the half.
In the 22nd minute of the game, Chisomo Sambani for Mzuzu nearly scored, but defender Herbert Wayekha rescued the danger.
Despite failing to control the proceedings in the engine room, Kamuzu Barracks’ defense, comprised of Wayekha, Samuel Chivunde, and Hope Namadzunda, combined well and frustrated the home team’s Nkhoma and Msiska.
The duel attackers failed to penetrate and take shots on the visitors’ goal.
John Banda’s effort in the 40th minute hit the bar, much to the disbelief of the technical panel who had already started celebrating.
As the first half approached its closure in the 44th minute, Isaac Msiska broke the deadlock after receiving a beautiful ball from Yohane Nkhoma, and the goal was enough to end Kamuzu Barracks’ unbeaten run in the league.
Mzuzu Hammers coach Elias Chirambo made several changes in the second half to ensure they defended their narrow 1-0 lead. He brought in Precious Phiri for Mphatso Magaleta.
Kamuzu Barracks came close to equalizing through Zeliat Nkhoma, but his shot was cleared by former Extreme Football Club goalkeeper Eddie Jamu, who was outstanding for the entire game.
Chirambo made another tactical change, bringing on Chikumbutso Henderson for Yohane Nkhoma with the aim of winning aerial balls in the middle of the park.
The Chioko boys’ head coach, Charles Kamanga, in his effort to find an equalizer, introduced Chifundo Makawa for John Banda as Samuel Chiponda replaced Christopher Mtambo.
However, his effort did not pay off as the home team held onto a 1-0 lead until the last whistle of the game.
Mzuzu Hammers coach Elias Chirambo was extremely excited with the victory as he hailed his boys for their endurance against the equally good side Kamuzu Barracks.
His counterpart, Charles Kamanga, acknowledged the 5th defeat and congratulated Hammers for the hard-fought victory.
“We missed some key players in today’s game, such as Mike Ntonyo and Patrick Banda due to injuries. This also contributed to our defeat. We also missed Gunda, who is serving a suspension, but nevertheless, we didn’t play as planned. Hammers played well,” Kamanga said.
Silver Strikers continued flying high in the league as they defeated rookies, Creck Sporting Club, 2-0 at Silver Stadium.
The Central Bankers lead the table with 16 points from 6 games, followed by Mzuzu City Hammers, who have 13 points in their bag.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers are in the third position with 12 points, whereas Kamuzu Barracks are in fourth place with 11 points.
