Civil, Dedza play goalless, points shared
By Antony Isaiah Jr:……..
Civil Service United and Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar Football Club have walked away with a point each after a goalless stalemate at Champions Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Fresh from a 1-0 win over Ekwendeni Hammers in their previous game, Franco Ndawa made only one change as Patrick Phiri who was sent out [Against Ekwendeni] was replaced by Christopher Kumwembe.
On the other hand, Dan Dzimkambani made six changes to the side that suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat against Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium. Lughano Kayira, Mathews Zaulombo, Hudson Milanzie, Victor Lungu, Edward Dakalira and Clement Nyondo all returned to the starting team.
With their aim to supplant Moyale Barracks from position 7, Civil begged for an early opener, thanks to the assistant referee’s flag was up to deny Nelson Kangunje from hitting the roof of the net after teeing up by Captain Kanyika.
Clement Nyondo brought a save from Tione Tembo who has completely displaced Ernest Kakhobwe between the sticks after being played through by Promise Kamwendo before Hudson Milanzie plagued the hosts’ half but he saw his goal-bound shot deflected off Maunde’s leg for a corner.
Dan Dzimkambani made his first change in the 53rd minute when he took out Christopher Phiri for Limbani Phiri to strengthen his midfield.
Dedza Dynamos were sent into freezy expectations when Clement Nyondo splitted Civil’s defence but he could not beat Tione Tembo on one-on-one situation.
Chikaiko Batison and Festus Chimwezga replaced Christopher Kumwembe and Moses Banda as the Servants were hunting for the a goal. Chikwezga nearly registered an instant impact as he headed over the bar from close range within 5 minutes after his introduction.
Two points still keep the two sides separated as the Proud of Lilongwe are on number 8 with 42 points from 29 points while Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar Football Club are on number 9 with 40 points from 28 games.
𝐀 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐳𝐚
Dedza Dynamos’ form and approach have been ambiguous as of late after defeats to Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles and only one win in their last four games prior to today’s game- Critism on Dzimkambani justified how poor his team was, looking a shadow of a team that made a historical record in the first round [finishing in top 8].
Dzimkambani’s team will take a great heart from sharing spoil with a team that have gone 8 games without a defeat, winning five and drawing thrice.
The performance might whip Dedza Dynamos fans into freezy expectations as they head into this year’s Airtel Top 8 Cup clash against Blue Eagles in few days ahead.
Coach for the team, Dan Dzimkambani was happy with a point but said his team failed to utilise the chances that they created.
“It was a good game because the players know each other. We had some chances but we missed, though we did not create enough. We wanted a win to go up on the table and we will try to win our remaining games,” said Dzimkambani.
𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐧
A draw against Dedza Dynamos have seen the Servants extending their unbeaten run to 8 games because their last defeat is dated back to September 3, when they lost 2-1 to Mafco FC.
They have managed to beat Karonga United, TN Stars, Rumphi United, Ekwendeni Hammers, and Mighty Tigers and playing stalemate to Nyasa Big Bullets, Moyale Barracks and Dedza Dynamos.
Coach for Civo, Franko Ndawa said it was a cracker but is happy with the performance of his players.
“It was a cracker because we know each other. We wanted to win but no one allowed each other to have their game plan materialise. We missed some chances, but it’s part of football. We are happy with the performance of the boys because they are able to implement what we train them,” said Ndawa.
In their next assignment, Civil Service United will travel to Blantyre to face Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
