Kamuzu Barracks have moved into the top five of the TNM Super League after getting their second win in Karonga with a 1-3 victory over Songwe Border United at the Karonga Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Soldiers were coming from a 0-1 win over Karonga United last Monday. Samson Chiponda claimed a brace, while substitute Olson Kanjira got the other goal for the Soldiers. Pamene Mwakikunga scored a consolation goal for the hosts, who suffered their 11th defeat of the season.
The Soldiers were ahead as early as two minutes when Gregory Nachipo assisted Samson Chiponda, who scored a beauty. They kept on pressurising in search of another goal, and Songwe made an early change as Josiah Duwa came in for Matthews Mkandawire after 15 minutes in a tactical switch.
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The hosts began to settle when Chimwemwe Ibrahim saw his powerful shot saved by Charles Chisale after the half-hour mark, but Chiponda doubled the lead just before half-time after meeting Francis Mchema’s ball for KB to go into the break with a convincing lead.
The rookies came strong into the second half when they started to dominate proceedings, which earned them a penalty in the 62nd minute following a foul inside the box. Pamene Mwakikunga converted to bring the game to life.
Songwe kept on pressurising as they sought an equaliser. Olson Kanjira replaced Lumbani Mkandawire for the Soldiers, and just when Songwe looked close to grabbing a leveller, Nachipo set up Kanjira for the team’s third goal in the 93rd minute to seal the win.
Kamuzu Barracks’ assistant coach, Ted Kalinda, thanked his boys for the win, as their six points from Karonga have helped them stay away from the relegation zone.
“We have to thank the boys for their wonderful performance today. They played according to instructions, that’s why they scored three goals. We’ve been going through bad spells, and these points have helped us a lot in the league,” said Kalinda.
However, Songwe Border head coach Christopher Nyambose said the early goal from the visitors disrupted their plan and that his boys paid too much respect to the Soldiers.
“We conceded very early in the game, which disrupted our plan. We wanted to first hold them and play our game in the second half, but that didn’t work. We also gave them too much respect; that’s why we made so many mistakes,” said Nyambose.
Kamuzu Barracks now move up to fifth in the table with 18 points from 13 games, having won five matches, drawn three, and lost five. Songwe Border continue to struggle, with only one point from 12 games.
(Picture courtesy of M.H. Photography)
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