Hardknockers beat United in Simso Innobuild’s Ekwendeni Derby

Ekwendeni Hardknockers have beaten Ekwendeni United by a goal to nil in a thrilling encounter played on Sunday at Ekwendeni Community.

After a number of threats from Hardknockers hitman Robert Wuyayu Kamanga United’s Neyma Mkandawire brought him down inside danger area at 20 minutes prompting the referee to award the visitors a penalty which was cooly taken by Junior Lutepo.

United midfield struggled in the first half which saw the introduction of Tiza Nyirenda who seemed to have eased pressure for his side while their counterpart resorted to defending and looked a bit blunt upfront following a knock from there hitman Kamanga who was brought down in United’s box just 35 seconds into the last half.

Hardknockers allowed Kamanga to finish the match despite the knock and jealously defended the goal while United kept missing chances so it ended one nil in favor of the visitors.

Samuel Soko Team Manager for United accepted the defeat saying his players missed a lot of chances.

“We missed a number of chances in the first 10 minutes and we conceded a penalty the boys failed to come in the game, in the second we made several substitutions we came in but our opponents defended well it is a derby it’s always difficult, we will work hard in the coming games.” Soko said.

His opposite Victor Kapemba Nthala described the win as vital saying they were prepared.

“We played well especially in the first half and we played more defensively in the second half and we lacked firepower upfront after our hitman was injured so that lowered our performance, with the win we are back on track.” Nthala said.

General Secretary Masiya Nyasulu says the association anticipates a good competition.

“We have witnessed a good game here and we can tell that we will have another exciting season and the champion is likely to be found in the last week of the top 8.” Nyasulu said.

With the win Hardknockers are in position 7 with 6 points while United have dropped to position 6.

In other games played today Kadona Stars beat Mzimba United by two goals to nil to go top while Embangweni thumped Mayamiko Stars 4-1 at their home.