Defending champions Blue Eagles narrowly avoided a major upset at Nankhaka Stadium on Sunday, needing a dramatic penalty shootout to overcome struggling TNM Super League side Songwe Border United and advance to the round of 16.
The Policemen dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, pressing hard for an early breakthrough against the league’s bottom-dwellers. However, despite their territorial advantage and numerous chances, Eagles were frustrated by a resolute Songwe defense and some wasteful finishing in front of goal.
Blue Eagles started aggressively, with striker Tonic Viyuyi missing a golden opportunity inside the penalty box, blazing his effort over the crossbar when unmarked. The hosts continued to create chances, with goalkeeper Abraham Mwandenga making a crucial save to deny Viyuyi again.
MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA
Songwe’s best moment of the half came through a long-range free kick from Chimwemwe Ibrahim, though his effort sailed wide of the target. The visitors were content to defend in numbers and look for counter-attacking opportunities.
CJ Banda was pulling the strings for Eagles in midfield, threading a beautiful through ball to Laurent, but the final touch was lacking. Banda himself came close with a thunderous free kick that whistled inches over the crossbar.
The first booking of the match went to Songwe’s Hassan Nyembwe for a cynical foul on Viyuyi, halting a promising Eagles attack. Gilbert Chirwa nearly broke the deadlock with a rocket of a shot that forced an excellent save from the Songwe keeper.
The pattern continued after the break, with Eagles controlling possession but lacking the cutting edge to break down their stubborn opponents. Songwe had their best chance of the match when Bryson Kanambo wasted a counter-attacking opportunity, though they did manage to win a corner from the move.
Eagles coach made tactical changes, introducing Levson Mnyenyembe and Ranken Mwale for Christopher John Banda and Maxwell Mbewe on the hour mark. The substitutions injected fresh energy into the hosts’ attack.
Mwale had an immediate impact, creating chances with his pace and movement, but his header from a Mnyenyembe corner sailed over the bar. The most glaring miss of the match fell to Laurent Banda, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but fired his shot over in frustration.
With time running out, Eagles coach made three late substitutions, bringing on Jacob Robert, Mathews Nyirenda, and Maxwell Gustavo for Viyuyi, Christian Maluwa, and Trouble Banda. The changes signaled the coach’s acceptance that penalties would be needed to settle the contest.
Penalty shootout drama
With the match deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, the tie went to penalties at the southern goal. Aaron Kaira stepped up first for Songwe and confidently found the net. Ganizani James replied immediately for Eagles with an equally impressive penalty.
The shootout remained level after Pamene Mwakikunga blazed Songwe’s second penalty over the bar, while Maxwell Gustavo kept his nerve for Eagles. Moses Julius and Jacob Robert traded successful penalties before Cosmas Nyondo and Mathias Nyirenda also found their marks.
With the score at 4-4, it fell to Hassan Nyembwe to keep Songwe alive, and he duly obliged. However, Ranken Mwale held his nerve for the decisive penalty, sending Eagles through to the next round with a 5-4 victory from the spot.
While Eagles will be relieved to progress, their performance will be a concern for the coaching staff. The defending champions struggled to break down the league’s weakest team and needed penalties to avoid what would have been a shocking early exit.
For Songwe Border United, despite their league struggles, they can take heart from a disciplined defensive display that frustrated one of the country’s top teams. Their penalty-taking was also exemplary, making Eagles work until the very last kick.
Final Score: Blue Eagles 0-0 Songwe Border United (Eagles win 5-4 on penalties)
Discover more from Wa Mpira
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
