High Flying Hard knockers Stumble at Mzuni
By Victor Stephan…….
High-flying Ekwendeni Hard knockers were left frustrated at Thengere ground after being held to a one-all draw against winless Mzuni FC in the NRFA Simso Mzuzu 12 sponsors league on Sunday.
Hardknockers have been in form registering a draw and three wins in their previous four games while the draw means Mzuzu University Football Club is yet to register a win.
Mustafa Seleman gave students a lead at 31 minutes in the first half after receiving a beautiful cross from left winger Patrick Kunje who dribbled past four opponents before crossing while Simon Kambwera leveled just two minutes into the second half after receiving a through ball from the center circle.
After the equalizer, the home team seemed to lose touch as they played under pressure for 15 minutes before the game went dull, so it ended Mzuni 1 Ekwendeni Hard knockers 1.
After the game, Mzuzu University mentor Jomo Ngonga decried missed chances by his players while partially blaming officials on fixtures scheduling.
“We created several chances but we missed a lot and that goal the referee failed us and on the other hand we have been affected by fixtures we had exams while they kept giving us games we just needed enough time to have proper coordination,” Ngonga said.
Hardknockers coach Mathandalizwe Kumwenda conceded it will be tough for his side if they are to qualify for the last 8.
“We underrated Mzuni and tried to pick up after conceding that goal draw means we have to win all the last two games which are very tough but we have hope we will qualify,” said Kumwenda.
The draw means Ekwendeni Hard Knockers have missed a chance to go top of the group as they trail on goal difference with Lube Masters both have 15 points while Mzuni is yet to win as they have 4 points from four draws.
In other games in Cluster B Chipolopolo Boys humbled the league’s oldest team Ekwendeni United 3-1 to move from position 6 to 4 while Chintheche United registered a nil win against Chizumulu to open a four points gap on top in Cluster D, Chilumba Barracks hammered Mhuju 3-1 in cluster A while Jenda United won 2 nil against Raiply to reclaim top spot in Group D.