Kamuzu Barracks (KB) have moved up to third place in the TNM Super League with 9 points from 5 games following a narrow 1-0 win over league newcomers Ekhaya FC at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa on Saturday.
The decisive goal came in the 45th minute, courtesy of Zeliati Nkhoma, who converted a well-timed assist from John Mchema. Nkhoma was named man of the match and is the league’s current top goal scorer (4).
The game began as a balanced affair, with KB creating the first real threat in the 3rd minute after Hadji James fouled Gregory Nachipo. Nachipo took the resulting free kick, but his effort struck the wall.
Ekhaya, who are 4th, 9 points but separated by goals with KB, responded in the 5th minute through a sequence of sharp passes between midfielders Clever Chikwata, Mwayi Banda, and Lovemore Mbeta, only for KB defender Mike Ntonyo to clear the danger.
Ekhaya’s pressure continued in the 16th minute when Andrew Lameck fired a powerful shot that was well saved by KB goalkeeper Hastings Banda.
KB responded with chances of their own in the 30th and 32nd minutes.
First, Nachipo’s shot was blocked by Ekhaya’s Kesteni Simbi and then, Mchema’s free kick went off target after Innocent Msowoya fouled Anold Masamba.
Later, Mchema missed a clear one-on-one opportunity against Ekhaya goalkeeper Elias Missi, moments before Nkhoma sealed the lead.
In the second half, Ekhaya came out with renewed attacking intent, but failed to make it count.
Kamuzu Barracks’ Head Coach, Nicholas Mhango, acknowledged Ekhaya’s strong start but credited his side’s resilience.
“We were physical that is why we scored after missing so many chances. I think the problem is with the pitch because we are used with a bare ground unlike this one that is covered,” Mhango said.
Ekhaya’s coach, Enos Chatama, lamented the result.
“It is like we have a certain cancer in the team where we are conceding giveaway goals. We conceded a goal which we could have avoided,” Chatama said.
TNM Super League action continues on Sunday as Mighty Wanderers travel to face Creck Sporting Club while Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos shall host Karonga United. Up North, Chitipa United will welcome Blue Eagles.
