Lube Masters, Raiply FC Settle for Stalemate

Lube Masters and Raiply FC played to a 1-1 draw in an NRFA Simso Mzuzu 12 Sponsors League game at Mzuzu Stadium. Substitutes Aubrey Divala and Christopher Sichone scored for Lube Masters and Raiply FC, respectively.

In the first half, Lube Masters’ Innocent Magaleta squandered a one-on-one opportunity, while Raiply FC’s Tujaliwe Kasito’s header was denied by the upright post. Blessings Nyasulu also missed a chance for Raiply FC, shooting wide from a difficult angle.

In the second half, Divala scored for Lube Masters in the 63rd minute, but Sichone equalized for Raiply FC in the 88th minute.

Raiply FC coach Lovemore Nyirenda praised his players for securing a point away from home. “It was tough, but our substitutions worked well, and getting a point away from home is not bad. We mostly start badly, but this is a positive result.”

Lube Masters coach Halord Phiri conceded that lack of concentration and composure cost them maximum points. “We lost concentration, especially in the last minutes of both halves, and we conceded a silly goal in the dying minutes. We need to start utilizing chances; it’s a disappointing result.”

In other weekend matches, Ekwaiweni Tafika Sports Academy lost at home to Chintheche United, while unbeaten Songwe Border defeated Chilumba Barracks 1-0. The game between Eagle Strikers and Jenda United ended 1-1.

The final phase of the league features eight teams, with the champion earning promotion to the Super League.