By McLloyd Kudzingo
Red Lions hopes of surviving in the TNM Super League suffered yet another blow after they slumped to a 2-0 loss to Kamuzu Barracks in a match that took place at Balaka Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Gregory Nachipo broke the deadlock to put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute after receiving a cross from Levison Maganizo.
Ndaona Daisi increased the visitors’ lead in the 40th minute, connecting well a free-kick taken by Maganizo who was also voted Man of the match.
In the second half Red Lions made a triple substitution bringing in the experienced legs of Moses Namkumba, Ferguson Mtondo and Brown Gondwe replacing the youthful Hamphreys Minandi, Franklin Titani and Stanley Duwe
The introduction of the trio proved effective as Red Lions began to play better than the Lilongwe-based soldiers in the second half.
The hosts made the most of their numerical advantage in the last eight minutes following the dismissal of KB forward Zeliat Nkhoma in the 83rd minute for a second bookable offense.
The Zomba-based side created a number of clear-cut chances but Gondwe, Mkutu and Namkumba were guilty of squandering them.
Following the loss, Red Lions remain second from bottom with 21 points after playing 25 games and they need to win most of their remaining games if they are to survive in the league.
KB on the other hand are perched on position 5 with 39 points, a point behind fourth placed Silver Strikers but the army side have played two games more than the central bankers.
In other midweek games, Mafco FC and Silver Strikers shared the spoils as they drew 0-0 at Chitowe Stadium.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Frank Chikufenji, Precious Chipungu and Zikani Munthali were on target as Mighty Tigers beat Moyale Barracks 3-nil.
On Saturday, bottom placed Extreme FC hosts Bangwe All Stars at Nankhaka Stadium as Ekwendeni Hammers hosts the defending FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Rumphi Stadium.
Dedza Dynamos will play Moyale Barracks at Dedza Stadium and on Sunday, Karonga United will host Mafco FC at Karonga Stadium.
