Mighty Tigers climbed out of the relegation zone in the TNM Super League after securing their fifth victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Songwe Border United at Mpira Stadium on Saturday.
The victory, courtesy of Wisdom Maulabo Jere’s 11th-minute strike, lifted Tigers two places up the table to 12th position, providing crucial breathing space in their fight for survival.
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Tigers, who earned a spirited point away to Civil Service United the previous weekend, carried that momentum into Saturday’s encounter against fellow relegation battlers Songwe.
Despite Songwe having the better of the opening minutes as they settled into the contest, it was the hosts who drew first blood. Jere broke the deadlock in the 11th minute, giving Tigers a lead they would protect for the remainder of the match.
The visitors responded by making an early tactical change, with Pamene Mwakikunga replacing Owen Mwangonde in the 27th minute. Tigers also adjusted their lineup before the break, bringing on Masambiro Kalua for Daniel Shadreck, but the hosts maintained their slender advantage going into halftime.
The second half saw both teams make multiple substitutions as they searched for a decisive moment. Tigers introduced Precious Kwalenga, James Tambwali, and Bonex Chigays for Ben Manyozo, Kondanani Samuel, and Mwai Banda. Songwe countered with fresh legs of their own, bringing on Richard Cheyo, Festus Chikwegza, and Bryson Kanambo for Cosmas Nyondo, Aaron Temwanani Kayira, and Laston Pingeni.
However, Tigers’ defense held firm through 90 minutes to secure all three points.
Coach’s Reaction
Tigers head coach Trevor Kajawa acknowledged the difficulty of the contest but emphasized the importance of the victory.
“We scored early and missed a couple of chances, but all in all, what we wanted was just a win,” said Kajawa. “The boys are now believing in themselves and confidence is fully back. We will just try to get more points in the games that we are playing.”
Kajawa expressed optimism about his team’s survival prospects, saying their current performance gives them belief they can avoid relegation.
Songwe Border United head coach Edwin Kaonga was less pleased with proceedings, directing his frustration at the match officials.
“I think it has become a culture that a travelling team should struggle with officiation, which is very bad, and our friends have benefitted from that,” Kaonga said. “Without it, we could have gotten a result.”
Despite his team’s precarious position, Kaonga insisted it was too early to discuss relegation with at least seven games remaining in the season. He said the team would focus on collecting points in their upcoming fixtures.
The victory moved Tigers to 12th place with 21 points from 22 matches, comprising five wins, six draws, and 11 defeats. They now sit four points clear of the relegation zone.
Songwe Border United remain rooted to the bottom of the table in 16th position with just five points from 21 matches—one win, two draws, and 18 losses—leaving them in desperate need of results as the season approaches its conclusion.
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