Ekhaya have confirmed their stay in the league following a win over Karonga. With 39 points, none of the teams in the relegation zone will be able to catch the.
God’swill Kanyika scored a spectacular goal and claimed man of the match in his first appearance for Ekhaya FC as the Cowboys beat Karonga United 1-0 at the Karonga Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Having beaten them 2-0 in the first round of the TNM Super League, Ekhaya completed a double over their opponents thanks to Kanyika’s stunning direct free-kick in the first half that sealed the victory.
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The match was evenly contested from the opening whistle as both teams struggled to settle. The first clear chance came in the 14th minute when Patrick Phiri set up Godfrey Sibale, who planted his header over the bar. Three minutes later, Levison Mnyenyembe shot over the bar before God’swill Kanyika marked his debut with a beautiful free-kick that beat goalkeeper Maclean Mwals in the 18th minute.
Emmanuel Savieli nearly doubled the lead when he beat two defenders before sending his shot wide. Wongani Kaponya then made way for James Lumbe due to injury. The hosts fully dominated the final minutes of the first half but could not find an equalizer.
Karonga United started the second half strongly and Sinto Chipole was denied by the crossbar in the 52nd minute. Robert Luhanga was replaced by Rajab Juma eight minutes later before Patrick Phiri sent his effort over the bar from a promising position on the hour-mark.
Sibale was then withdrawn for Lennox Kiwambe before Phiri missed another great chance in the 72nd minute. Savieli and Blessings Malinda then made way for Clever Chikwata and Vincent Salawira as the Cowboys held on for victory after 90 minutes.
Ekhaya FC head coach Ennos Chatama praised his players for their performance in what he described as a very tight contest, noting his team survived several dangerous chances from Karonga United.
“The win means our chances of survival this season are strong. This was our plan for the first season and the boys really tried, despite some lapses in the opening matches of the second round where we lost games we could have easily won. We got lessons from that which will serve us for next season and the three years coming,” said Chatama.
Karonga United assistant coach Christopher Chimkwita conceded the defeat, expressing frustration at his team’s missed opportunities.
“It was a very tight match but we tried everything. We pushed them into their half and created a lot of chances which we did not convert. That’s what happens when you miss your chances. Our opponents got one chance from a free-kick which they scored, and I would say we were the better team today but didn’t get the result,” said Chimkwita.
The result pushed Ekhaya up to fifth on the table with 39 points from 12 wins, three draws and nine defeats. Karonga United remain fourth with 40 points from 12 wins, four draws and nine defeats in the league.
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