Hammers beat TN, as Chirwa missed from the spot

By Lucky Millias

Captain China Chirwa squandered a big chance from the spot in a game that the Kasungu outfit TN Stans, have suffered another defeat in TNM Super League by single goal to nill in the hands of Ekwendeni Hammers on Sunday afternoon at Kasungu stadium.

The Mzuzu based team scored in the first half through Isaac Msiska following the poor communication from the home side defenders who failed to clear the ball after good passes from Ekwendeni Hammers players namely Gift Chunga, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Isaac Msiska and Wongani Lungu.

However, TN Stans could have levelled the game after being awarded a penalty following the handball from the former Malawi National Football Team and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers defender Harry Nyirenda who handed the ball in the danger zone but TN Stans forward China Chirwa failed to utilise the chance as the Ekwendeni Hammers goalkeeper Chancy Mtete saved it.

In the second half, Ekwendeni Hammers managed to defend the goal despite following attempts that TN Stans made through substitute Frank Chizuze, Mphatso Dzongoloro and Chisomo Sambani.

This means that Ekwendeni Hammers have managed to win two games consecutively for the first time after having a poor run of results of late until they sacked their coach, Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa and replace him with Gilber Chirwa.

Speaking after the match, TN Stans Assistant Team Manager Chifundo Nyirenda said his boys played well but only luck were against them.

He further said they will resume training on Monday as they will keep fighting for survival in the league.

“All is not lost, we will keep fighting up to the final day. I can not blame my players for the result, this is what sometimes happening in football,” he said.

On his part, Ekwendeni Hammers coach Gilbert Chirwa praised his men for the result and he added that they will keep on fighting for the remaining games to collect maximum points.

“We are still pushing to run away from the relegation zone, and our aim is not to playing good football but to collect maximum points as what we have done today,” said former Mzuzu Warriors Coach.

During the match, TN Stans left back Chisomo Sambani was voted as man of the match and has walked away with 30 thousand kwacha.

Following the result, TN Stans are now second from the bottom with 12 points after playing 22 games and have remains with eight games including Moyale Barracks, Rumphi United, Mafco, Civil Service United, Blue Eagles, Karonga United, Sable Farming and Kamuzu Barracks.

On the other hand, Ekwendeni Hammers are now in position 12 with 25 points after playing 25 games and have remained with five games to finish this reason among other teams to meet are Civil Service United among others.