Chitipa stun Eagles to claim first win at Chitipa

Chitipa United continued their recent good form in the TNM Super League after finishing the first round with a 1-0 win over Blue Eagles. This victory marked their first-ever elite league win at Chitipa Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Basongo had not tasted defeat in their last seven games before this match, conceding just one goal in that time. They maintained their high standards to keep yet another clean sheet and extended their unbeaten run to eight games.

Nelson Sikaona scored just after the half-hour mark, and that goal was enough for the hosts to claim a win in the presence of the state President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, who was among the spectators.

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The hosts looked hungry in the first 25 minutes, seeking a goal, which was evident by the six corner kicks they were awarded during that time. The visitors got their first attempt through Lanken Mwale, who sent his effort over the bar in the 26th minute.

Nelson Sikaona, set up by Rajab Nyirenda, became the first player to score a Super League goal at the stadium in the 31st minute. Micium Mhone then saw his goal ruled out in the added minutes of the first half, denying Eagles an equalizer.

The visitors were a better side in the early minutes of the second half. Kenson Mlenga replaced Elias Mywanga in the 59th minute. Three minutes later, Andrew Lameck forced Joshua Waka into a great save as Chitipa pushed for a second goal.

Tonic Viyuyi, Patrick Mponda, Maxwell Gustavo, and Blessings Malemia were all introduced for Ian Chinyama, Lanken Mwale, Micium Mhone, and Laurent Banda for Eagles. For the hosts, Rajab Nyirenda and Godfrey Kwiyoka made way for Steve Saka and Matthews Zaulombo. Chitipa ultimately held on to record the win.

The head coach for the hosts, Kondwa Ikwanga, applauded his boys for the win, saying they put up a great fight to collect three points.

“We used the same system we used against Wanderers. We had some lapses in it, but we can improve on that. In the second half, we changed our approach based on how Eagles were playing. We were defending, and at some point, we kept the ball. It was not an easy game; I have to applaud the boys,” Ikwanga said.

Meanwhile, De Klerk Msakakuona, the coach for Blue Eagles, conceded the defeat, saying they failed to utilize their chances and that the loss was a blow to their team.

“The loss is not good because we were performing well. We played seven games without a loss and even beat Bullets, but now we have two defeats against Kamuzu Barracks and now Chitipa. It is not good, but we will sort out all the problems and come back stronger,” said Msakakuona.

The victory moved the Basongo up to ninth on the table with 19 points from four wins, seven draws, and four defeats. Eagles dropped to seventh on the table with 23 points from six wins, five draws, and four defeats in the first round.