The once intense Northern Region Football League derby between Ekwendeni United and Ekwendeni Hardnockers failed shot of expectations following a barren draw on Wednesday.
The midweek match played with a sizeable spectactators in a friendly manner with little spark in the first half failed shot of usual entertaining encounter with few chances missed by Hardnockers front men.
The second half substitutions saw Hardnockers introducing Debrune Chunga,Tymon Gomeka and Takondwa Banda for Julius Kayuni,Edwin Moyo and youngster Trust Msichili while United rested Brian Mbewe for experienced attacking midfielder Edwin Mkandawire so life come back into the game with both teams managing more than five passes but lack of composure failed them, Gomeka could have sealed the win for the visitors but he blasted it over the bar at the dot of full time, so it ended goalless.
After the match Ekwendeni United coach Cyrus Baluti conceded lack of composure costed them promising to regroup for upcoming games.
“We were down especially in the midfield, the players lacked composure but we will regroup so that we can do better in the upcoming games.” Baluti said.
Hardnockers Assistant Coach Kenneth Munthali pointed out their inadequate preparation and injuries made them struggle.
“We had a good play in the game we dominated but we failed to utilise chances and we didn’t have enough preparation but we have hope we will do better in other games.” Said Munthali.
The draw means Ekwendeni United are still stuck in bottom three with 22 points from 22 games while Ekwendeni Hardnockers moved one step to position 12 with 23 points.
In the other game played on Wednesday Mzuzu based sides Sporting and Lube Masters shared spoils in a 2 all draw.
Chawanangwa Mkandawire game visitors Lube Masters a first half lead before dramatic second saw Austin Ngoma equalize at 77 minutes with Kelvin Gondwe restored the lead four minutes later while Nathan Msiska’s levelled in the dying minutes to rescue a point.