Karonga United leapfrogged Silver Strikers into third place in the TNM Super League after earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers at Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After a goalless first half, Sinto Chipole struck from a free kick with 20 minutes remaining to stun the hosts, who desperately needed the points to climb out of the relegation zone.
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The hosts started brightly, pushing for an early breakthrough in the opening 20 minutes. Jeremiah Kanyika squandered a glorious chance to break the deadlock, while at the other end, Antony Mfune and Saulos Moyo both missed opportunities for the visitors. Patrick Phiri replaced Tambulani Mwale in the 44th minute as the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
The second half began as a tight affair, with both sides showing defensive solidity. Mzuzu City Hammers made a double substitution, bringing on Jimmy Msiska and Alex Olotomal for Mustafa Maulana and Madalitso Safuli. The hosts were then forced into an unplanned change when Pilirani Thulu suffered a head injury and was replaced by Wilson Mwakhwawa. Thulu was rushed to hospital for treatment.
The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute when Karonga United were awarded a free kick after Patrick Phiri was fouled. Sinto Chipole stepped up and converted to give the visitors the lead.
The hosts responded by introducing Maxwell Funsani for Hassan Luwembe as they chased an equalizer. Saulos Moyo had a golden opportunity to seal the points for Karonga in the 91st minute but failed to convert.
Post-Match Reaction
Oscar Kaunda (Karonga United head coach): “It was a very tough game. Hammers came here with purpose and played very well. I’m happy with the win—it shows that at Karonga we have something special. We have talent and good players.”
Elias Chirambo (Mzuzu City Hammers head coach): “This defeat is disappointing because we played well and needed those points badly. But we will make it. We will finish in the top eight. We were very far behind but we’ve pushed hard and closed the gap to other teams, so forget about relegation this season.”
The victory lifted Karonga United to third place with 37 points from 21 matches (11 wins, 4 draws, 6 defeats). Mzuzu City Hammers remain 14th in the table with 18 points from 21 matches (5 wins, 3 draws, 13 defeats).
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