Lungu misses penalty on debut as Ekhaya, Eagles settle for stalemate

Ekhaya FC left-back Alick Lungu had a debut to forget after missing a second-half penalty that could have sealed a win for his side, as the newly promoted outfit settled for a goalless draw with Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium in a tightly contested TNM Super League clash.

Lungu, who recently joined Ekhaya on a free transfer from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, was handed his first start and nearly marked the occasion with a dream goal. However, his 68th-minute penalty was expertly saved by Blue Eagles goalkeeper Joshua Waka, ensuring the hosts held on for a valuable point.

Ekhaya FC started brightly, asserting dominance early on. Just two minutes in, Chimwemwe Yasin blasted a powerful effort narrowly wide. Moments later, James Stambuli failed to hit the target with a header from Levison Mnyenyembe’s delivery, and Mwayi Banda missed a golden opportunity to tap in from a well-placed cross by Lungu in the 21st minute.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

On the half-hour mark, Stanley Biliat almost broke the deadlock for Ekhaya, only for Ganizani James to clear his goal-bound shot off the line. Despite the pressure, the Eagles’ backline remained resolute as the half ended 0-0.

The intensity carried into the second half. Ian Chinyama came close twice from free kicks within the first five minutes but failed to convert. Changes followed, with Lovemore Mbeta and Wongani Kapenya replacing Yasin and Banda.

Chinyama nearly scored with a long-range effort in the 65th minute, but his shot was brilliantly parried by Eagles’ shot-stopper Elias Missi.

A minute later, Ekhaya were handed a golden chance to take the lead when the referee awarded them a penalty. However, Alick Lungu’s spot-kick lacked power and placement, allowing Waka to make the crucial save and preserve the Eagles’ clean sheet.

Late in the game, Micium Mhone’s effort was dramatically cleared off the line after he replaced Mnyenyembe alongside Lanken Mwale. James Lumbe came on for Biliat, while Gilbert Chirwa replaced John Banda for the Eagles, but neither side could find the breakthrough.

Post-Match Reactions

Blue Eagles caretaker coach, De Klerk Msakakuona, praised his youthful side’s resilience:

“It was a good but tough game. We faced a determined team, and despite a few things we need to improve on, I’m happy with the effort,” he said.

Ekhaya FC head coach Enos Chatama remained upbeat despite the missed opportunity:

“A point away from home is valuable. Missing penalties is part of the game—even world-class players like Messi and Ronaldo miss sometimes. We move forward,” Chatama remarked.

Following the draw, Blue Eagles sit fourth on the TNM Super League table with 12 points from eight games (three wins, three draws, two losses). Meanwhile, Ekhaya FC hold third place with 13 points from four wins, one draw, and three losses.