Master takes Eagles to just 6 points adrift Bullets, as Mafco Rejuvenate Hammers
The defensive midfielder, Paul Master netted in the 60th minute to seal the victory for Blue Eagles as they beat Moyale Barracks in a pulsating Super League encounter.
Playing at their home ground, Blue Eagles knew that dropping points would leave them far behind the leaders who play on Sunday against Rumphi United in the North and Coach for Eagles Eliya Kananji made one change from the team that beat Karonga United seven days ago.
John Soko replaces former Silver Strikers goal minder, Brighton Munthali.
For Moyale Barracks, straight from a 3-1 victory over Tigers in Mzuzu, Coach Prichard Mwansa made no change from the team that’s started seven days ago.
In the field of play, both teams started the game on a high note but the visitors were a little bit better than the hosts.
Brown Magaga had his shot in the net in the 14th minute but it was ruled out as Innocent Kaundula’s flag was up signaling offside.
In the later stages of the first half, the hosts took over the proceedings of the game as they started dominating the possession. Paul Master, Gilbert Chirwa, Mhone, were giving the Lions of Kaning’ina a good run for their money but breaking the resilient Moyale’s defence was the biggest problem.
It was goalless at the break.
In the second half, Eliya Kananji with the aim of igniting his attacking depth, he introduced the new recruit, Christopher Gototo who spent his first round of the tnm Super League at Sable on loan from Ascent Academy FC for veteran Striker, Maxwell Salambula in the 55th minute.
The introduction of the young talented striker upped Eagles’ game and he made the immediate impact as his assisted Paul Master to score the only goal in the game. He exchanged some succulent passes with Paul Master and the last touch ended in the net.
Gilbert Chirwa, Schumacker Kuwali, Micium Mhone all paved way for Arthur Moffat, Chifuniro Mpinganjira and Laurent Banda respectively.
On the other hand, Mwansa introduced Khumbo Mhone for Walusungu Mdoka as he was in the forest hunting for an equalising goal to salvage a point.
Gototo was at thick of things again as he created a space which he used to unleash a thunderous shot but Moyale’s goalkeeper, Simon Harawa was equal to the task.
Assistant Coach for Blue Eagles, Christopher Sibale praised his boys for the performance.
“It was a tough game but we are happy that we have managed to collect full points. They were very good in the midfield and we changed our approach to deal with that and we created chances. Eventually we managed to find a goal.
“We knew that it would be a tough game because Moyale have built a good team. Our boys played to the instructions,” said Sibale.
Sibale added that they are still competing for the Championship as they have reduced the gap to six points. Sibale said anything can happen in the league and they will not give up.
Taking his turn, Moyale Barracks Head Coach Prichard Mwansa said the mistake they made in the second half costed them.
“It was a good game and we managed to hold them in the first half. In the second half we made a mistake and they punished us. Its very painful to lose this game but we will go back to the drawing board to rectify our mistakes,” said Mwansa.
Mwansa added that Moyale Barracks will do better 8n the coming games and they will climb the table.
Blue Eagles have completed the double over Moyale Barracks for the first time since 2016.
The Victory takes Eagles to just 6 points below Nyasa Big Bullets as they have amassed 36 points from 17 games while Moyale Barracks remain 8th with 20 points.
Elsewhere, in Dwangwa, Peter Katsonga became the second player to net a hat-trick this season after Dedza’s Promise Kamwendo as Mafco thrash Ekwendeni Hammers by 5 goals to one.
Zikani Sichinga and Mphatso Philimon were the other scorers while Isaac Msiska scored the consolation goal for Hammers.
Ekwendeni Hammers will return into the field of play as they face Bullets on Wednesday at Mzuzu Stadium.
With the victory, Mafco have climbed up the table to fourth place with 28 points from 17 games while Ekwendeni are on 13th place with 14 points from 17 games.
Action will continue on Sunday as Bullets face Rumphi, Wanderers date Tigers.