Tigers drop home points as Moyale extend unbeaten run to six games

Nadrick Nyirenda struck his first goal for Moyale Barracks to rescue a point for the Kaning’ina Lions in a tightly-contested 1-1 draw against Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The home side took an early lead through in-form forward Grayson Msowoya, who scored his fifth goal of the campaign to put the Kaukau Boys ahead in the 19th minute. But the lead was short-lived as Moyale responded almost immediately—Nyirenda finding the back of the net just two minutes later to restore parity in what turned out to be an evenly matched encounter.

Tigers started the game on the front foot, pressing high and dominating possession in the opening five minutes. However, Moyale weathered the early storm and nearly grabbed the opener when Clever Kalambo missed a golden chance in the 7th minute. Moments later, Tigers had a chance of their own, but Steve Nkhoma failed to convert from close range.

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The breakthrough eventually came when Martin Msewa slipped a well-weighted pass to Msowoya, who made no mistake with his finish. But Moyale responded almost instantly—Nyirenda coolly slotting home to register his debut goal for the club and level the scores at 1-1.

As the tempo settled, Moyale began to find their rhythm. Levison Gopani was introduced on the hour mark for John Kamwendo as the visitors took control of the midfield and dictated the pace of the game.

In the second half, Msowoya had another chance to restore Tigers’ lead in the 55th minute, but squandered the opportunity with only the goalkeeper to beat. Substitutions followed on both sides: Moyale brought on Dan Kumwenda and Boniface Chuma for Lessman Singini and Kalambo, while Tigers responded by introducing Joseph Balakasi and Harrison Kapata for Phillip Chavula and Gopani.

Alex Kambirinya came close for Moyale in the 73rd minute, but his header flew narrowly over the bar. The final throw of the dice saw Tigers bring on Chimwemwe Kashoti and Laurent Munthali for Walusungu Mdoka and Raphael Phiri, but neither side could find the winning goal as the match ended in a stalemate.

After the final whistle, Mighty Tigers head coach Leo Mpulula voiced his frustration with his side’s inability to hold onto the lead.

“It was a good game. We started well and got the goal, but afterward we lost our rhythm and resorted to long balls just like them. This was a winnable game, especially at home—we must secure these points,” Mpulula said.

On the other side, Moyale Barracks coach Pritchard Mwansa rued missed opportunities that could have sealed all three points for his side.

“We played with purpose. After conceding, we came back well and created better chances. But we missed too many of them. We need to sharpen our strikers so that next time we convert our chances,” Mwansa said.

The draw leaves Mighty Tigers in 10th position with 10 points from eight games, having won three, drawn one, and lost four. Moyale, meanwhile, maintain their unbeaten run and sit 6th with 12 points from six games—three wins and three draws.