…..Shire 1-1 LUANAR
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources football team (LUANAR) narrowly avoided defeat against the Shire as they secured a late equalizer to force a 1-1 draw on Sunday at the Bingu National Stadium Upper Ground.
Super substitute Leo Chunga leveled the scoreline in the 80th minute, cancelling out Jue Malidadi’s 57th-minute goal.
The Area 49-based outfit, formerly known as Leyman Panthers, started the match strongly, exerting pressure on Milias Pofera Jegwe’s LUANAR. However, they lacked the experience and killer instinct to convert their chances into goals, despite having the well-experienced former Blue Eagles’ attacker, Jue Malidadi Jr.
The first half ended 0-0, with only one shot on goal from each team.
In the second half, Shire improved their game and continued pressing hard. Their efforts paid off in the 57th minute when Jue Malidadi Jr capitalized on a defensive error by LUANAR goalkeeper Graham Dzinkambani and defenders Arnold Jere and Austin Malola.
After conceding the goal, LUANAR rallied and intensified their attacks. Despite several attempts from Dumisani Chilimanja and Brighton Kamtoseni, it was substituted Leo Chunga who rescued Jegwe’s side with a stunning goal, beating the opponent’s defense and unleashing a powerful shot past Precious Masamba, who had been outstanding throughout the game.
The referee blew the final whistle, confirming that the spoils were shared between the two sides.
After the game, Milias Jegwe, coach of LUANAR, expressed contentment with the result, acknowledging that the team failed to prepare well for the game.
“After conceding that goal, I made substitutions which paid dividends, and we got the equaliser. I am happy with the way we have started,” Jegwe stated.
His counterpart, Misheck Jere of Shire, expressed dissatisfaction with the result. “I am not happy with the result. As our first game in the league, we wanted to win to gain momentum. The boys played well but lacked experience, coming from a lower league. However, I am optimistic that they will improve,” Jere commented.
The draw propelled LUANAR to the top of Group C with 4 points from 2 games; they won their opening game 1-0 against Airborne Rangers in week 2. On the other hand, Shire Football Club sits in 5th position with 1 point from 1 game.
So far, 30 goals have been scored in 11 games played in the MK19.8 Central Region Chipiku Stores Premier Division League.
In week 3, Blue Eagles defeated Armour Battalion 3-0 at Nankhaka, Mitundu Baptist drew 1-1 against Silver Strikers Reserve, Simbi lost 0-1 at home against Extreme, and Airborne Rangers recovered from their 1-0 loss to LUANAR by thrashing Ntcheu Warriors 4-2 on Saturday.
On Sunday, Chisomo Academy punished Dzaleka Future 3-1 at Kasungu Stadium, Santhe ADMARC were 2-0 winners over Mbabzi United, and Shire drew 1-1 against LUANAR.
Blue Eagles, Extreme, and LUANAR have taken early leads in their respective groups. Eagles lead group B with 6 points from 2 games, Extreme tops group A with 4 points from 2 games, and LUANAR leads group C with 4 points from the same number of games.
