Africa-Press – Malawi. Ten man Blue Eagles FC on Saturday outplayed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC at home Nankhaka Stadium as they defeated them 1-0 courtesy of the in form pintle sized midfielder Richard Rapson at 56th minute in the second half.
The home team started the game on a high note looking for vital goals that could see them slowly cementing the position two finish in the 2022 TNM Super League season.
However efforts from Gaddie Chirwa, Richard Rapson, Ian Chinyama did not bear any fruits as the team ended missing with others ending in Wanderers FC goalie Pilirani Mapira who was very busy on the day.
Despite creating more chances in the half,and dominating the play the precious goals were nowhere to be found as Miracle Gabeya, Wanderers defender who was outstanding in defense, made several blocks and clearances.
Easter Zimba the center referee of the day blew the whistle for recess. Come second half, the home team continued playing better than the visitors but still the goals could not come until coach Eliah Kananji made some changes at 53rd minute, taking out Trouble Banda for former Jomo Cosmos star, Micium Mhone.
Mhone indeed changed the tempo of the game as Eagles now started playing fast passing football, at 56th minute he provided an assist to Richard Rapson after beautiful exchange of passes with Captain Schumacher Kuwali.
Blue Eagles FC continued dominating the proceedings as they now started defending the lone goal until in the 61st minutes when Easther Zimba showed center back Jacob Robert a red card for a foul on Muhammad Sulumba.
This was his second bookable offence after being cautioned again at 11th minute. From this point in time the host maintained dominating despite being reduced to ten.
Yamikani Chester, Wisdom Mpinganjira and Muhammad Sulumba pushed for an equalizer but to no avail as the home defense comprising of Sankhani Mkandawire, Ian Chinyama and McDonald Lameck stood firmly.
Kananji made other changes at 83rd minute, Gaddie Chirwa was replaced by Franco Ndawa Jnr a defender to make sure they defend their narrow 1-0 lead,while Alex Ngwira brought in Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Stanley Sanudi and Vitumbiko Kumwenda for Misheck Botoman, Wisdom Mpinganjira and Francis Mkonda.
Sankhani Mkandawire cleared a dangerous ball from Chiukepo Msowoya which almost kissed the back of the net and that was the last goal chance of the game. After the game Richard Rapson was later voted man of the match,he made it back to back after winning the accolade last week against Dedza Dynamos FC.
Eliah Kananji, Blue Eagles FC coach, was delighted with the victory and hailed his boys for highly spirited performance he then asked them to maintain the hype in the remaining three games.
“We have that chance of finishing on second position now. What is needed is focus in the remaining games. Thanks to the boys for the heart of winning”, Kananji said.
His counterpart, Alex Ngwira, acknowledged the defeat saying his boys didn’t play well as they were slow on the ball in which Blue Eagles FC capitalized.
However, Ngwira attributed the loss to the poor officiation saying the team denied a penalty. He added chances for them to finish on position two are very high as they have games to wind up the season.
With the win now Blue Eagles FC have 56 points from 27 games and on position 2. Both teams are remaining with three games at home against Sable Farming FC, TN Stars and MAFCO FC.
They will sit comfortably on position if Silver Strikers FC can beat Kamuzu Barracks FC away in Kasungu Stadium on Sunday. Wanderers are on position 4 with 50 points from 26 games. In another fixture Civil Service United FC defeated Ekwendeni Hammers FC 1-0.Bashir Maunde scored from a spot kick after Binwell Katinji was fouled.
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