Moyale Barracks were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Chitipa United at Rumphi Stadium on Sunday afternoon, marking their third draw in four TNM Super League matches. While the result saw them drop valuable home points, the Kaning’ina Lions maintained their unbeaten streak in the league.
Since the tragic passing of their goalkeeper, Simeone Harawa, Moyale Barracks have struggled for consistency, securing only one victory in their last five matches across all competitions.
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The Soldiers dominated the early proceedings against “Basongo” but lacked the cutting edge, failing to register a shot on target despite creating several opportunities. Chitipa United’s Lumbani Phiri had an effort sail wide in the 22nd minute after being set up by Rajab Nyirenda.
The visitors made an early change, introducing Lamson Lukali for Godfrey Kwiyoka in the 40th minute. Shortly after, Lesmann Singini headed over the bar from an inviting Raphael Phiri cross into the Chitipa United box.
In the second half, Dan Mbaga saw his shot saved by Jeremiah Simfukwe in the 53rd minute. Substitutions followed, with Chimwemwe Kashoti replacing Raphael Phiri for Moyale before the hour mark, while Kenson Mlenga and Mabuchi Msiska came on for Andrew Joseph and Nelson Sinkaona for Chitipa United. Msiska then forced Simfukwe into another fine save in the 65th minute.
As the clock wound down, Eric Atsigah came on for Phiri in the 87th minute as Chitipa aimed to preserve their point against late Moyale pressure. Moyale thought they had snatched a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, but Innocent Botomani’s goal was ruled out for offside, denying them a crucial victory.
Moyale Barracks Head Coach Prichard Mwansa expressed his disappointment with the outcome. “It’s a painful result because today we played very well,” Mwansa stated. “We created chances in the first and last minutes of the game, but we failed to score, and dropping points again at home is painful.”
Meanwhile, Chitipa United’s head coach Kondwa Ikwanga described the game as balanced. “It was a tough match, a 50-50 affair. We wanted to win, and they wanted to win,” Ikwanga commented. “Moyale is a good team, but I knew my boys would do it. We got three clear chances in the second half, but we missed. That’s what happens in football if you don’t utilize your chances, you end up the way we are now.”
Moyale Barracks now sit 6th on the log table with 13 points from three wins and four draws, making them one of only two unbeaten teams in the TNM Super League. Chitipa United are 14th with 6 points from one win, three draws, and four defeats this season.
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