By McLloyd Kudzingo
Kondwani Chilembwe scored in the 76th minute as Bangwe All Stars secured a significant 1-0 win over Moyale Barracks at Balaka Stadium to move out of the TNM Super League relegation zone.
The visitors started the game very well, dominating possession the good part of the first half but they were not clinical in front of goal with Emmanuel Allan and Raphael Phiri among the culprits.
Bangwe on the other hand visibly missed the services of their key attackers Shukurani Goba and Richard Lapson as they took too long to settle into the game forcing coach Trevor Kajawa to make a number of substitutions right in the first half.
In the 6th minute, Bangwe were forced to make an early substitution following the injury of their captain Fanizo Mwansambo who was replaced by Kumbukani Manto.
In the 35th minute, Kajawa made a double substitution, bringing in the fresh legs of James Msowoya and the Nigerian Ojumu Gibulohani for James Tambwali and Clever Chikwata.
The Blantyre-based side made another substitution in the 56th minute, bringing in Beston Jimu for Patrick Phiri.
Moyale on the had made all their substitutions in the second half as Mphatso Kasonga replaced Khumbo Mhone, Luke Chima for the injured Chifundo Damba and Jimmy Viyuyi for Charles Nkhoma.
Following the substitutions, both sides created a number of scoring opportunities but it was Bangwe who made use of one of those chances as Chilembwe beautifully finished Beston Jimu’s pass to give the home side the much needed lead.
In the last 10 minutes, Moyale huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser but it was too little too late as Bangwe’s defence led by Asuman Julius and Gabihno Daudi made everything possible to defend the lead up to the final whistle.
Following the win, Bangwe are on position 13 with 24 points, two points above 14th placed FOMO FC but the Mulanje outfit have two games in hand.
Despite the loss, Moyale Barracks remain 7th on the log table with 36 points after playing 26 games and they are followed by Creck Sporting Club who have so far accumulated 35 points from 24 games.
In other Super league matches played on Sunday, FOMO FC lost 2-1 at home against Civil Service United while Mzuzu City Hammers hammered Chitipa United 3-1 at Karonga Stadium.
Silver Strikers remain top on the log table with 54 points from 24 games followed by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who have so far accumulated 47 points with the same number of games as the league leaders.
