Mzuzu City Hammers are the kings of Mzuzu City after they defeated Moyale Barracks 2-0 at Rumphi Stadium, ending the latter’s unbeaten run.
This win has moved Mzuzu City Hammers to 12th position with 7 points from 7 games while Moyale Barracks remains 6th with 13 points from 8 games.
Hammers first scored on the third minute through Moses Gwayi’s strike after Moyale’s Lovermore Jere had failed to make a defensive clearance.
On the 22nd minute, the team doubled their lead when Samson Olatubosun sent a throughball to Jeremiah Kanyika, who dribbled past his opponents to seal the deal.
Initially, Hammers started fiery despite Moyale trying to launch counter-attacks. But from the 15th minute, the soldiers from Kaning’ina started pushing for an equaliser, especially evidenced when Chimwemwe Kashoti unleashed a dangerous and thunderous shot saved by keeper, Joseph Fulao.
The only problem for Moyale seemed to have been miscommunication, because a minute later, attackers Clever Kalambo and Chimwemwe Kashoti failed to make a beautiful passing combination into a goal when Kashoti’s attempt was parried away by Fulao.
After conceding the second goal, Moyale reacted furiously and it nearly paid off because Jimmy Viyuyu had found the back of the net only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Early in the second half, Moyale resorted to making double substitutions as they subbed off Maneno Nyoni and Viyuyu for Black Aliseni and Liseman Singini to at least find a consolation. This became a positive addition because Moyale started enjoying the majority of possession but failed to penetrate into Hammers’ defence.
With that, Moyale replaced Chimwemwe Kashoti for Nadrick Nyirenda to maintain their dominance, which proved ineffective because Hammers managed to balance the game by aerial football.
Hammers had their first substitution by bringing off Kanyika and Arnold Phiri for Alick Kaonga and Mustafa Maulana, who picked a yellow card minutes later.
In the dying minutes, when Hammers started pilling pressure to confirm their victory until the 90th minute, which they did.
At the end of the match, Joseph Fulao, for Hammers, was then awarded as the man of the match.
Luckson Nyoni, Hammers’ Assistant Coach, described their secret as defending well and going offensively into their opponents half to get goals.
“We got early goals, and that boosted the morale and confidence of our players. The win will take us far because we wanted it badly,” Nyoni said.
On the other hand, Pritchard Mwansa, Moyale’s Coach, said they were not good enough and described it as a very painful defeat.
“We played very well, but what was the result? We can play good football but what is the most important thing is the result. We had a lot of chances, especially in the first half, so when you miss too much, you get punished,” Mwansa said.
League action resumes this weekend as on Saturday, Blue Eagles faces MAFCO, Chitipa United hosting Kamuzu Barracks. On Sunday, 2nd placed Mighty Wanderes shall face Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos and Hammers facing high-flying rookies, Ekhaya.
