Africa-Press – Malawi. Rejected stone Richard Rapson returned to haunt Mighty Mukuru Wanderers when he scored the lone goal to hand 10-man Blue Eagles a crucial win in their pursuit for top-two finish in the TNM Super League.
In a match played at Nankhaka Stadium Saturday, Eagles lost defender Jacob Robert in the 59th minute due to second bookable offence but held on to cement their second position in the 16-member league.
The loss is a blow to Wanderers who are equally hunting for top-two finish this season. Following the win, the Police side has 56 points from 27 games whereas Wanderers remain fourth with 50 points from 26 games.
Leaders Nyasa Big Bullets, who face Mafco at Dedza Stadium this afternoon, have 61 points from 25 games while third-placed Kamuzu Barracks, who clash with Silver Strikers at Kasungu Stadium, have 51 points from 26 games.
It was an entertaining and competitive affair at Nankhaka Stadium but it was Eagles who were hungrier as they bossed possession and created several scoring chances in the first half.
Wanderers goalkeeper Pilirani Mapila was in good form denying Gaddie Chirwa, Schumacher Kuwali and Gilbert Chirwa goals with quick reflexes. In this half, Wanderers hardly tested Eagles goalkeeper Brighton Munthali but when they did through Isaac Kaliati, the goalkeeper was on toes to deny the visitors a goal.
After the resumption, it was still a see-saw affair but Eagles finally got the breakthrough when Rapson connected home a cross from substitute Micium Mhone in the 51st minute.
Rapson who was a thorn to Wanderers’ defence was deservedly named man of the match for the second game running. Even though Eagles lost Robert eight minutes later, the police side defended and attacked as a unit with Sankhani Mkandawire and Ian Chinyama impressing at the back.
Goalkeeper Munthali was equally alert to stop any danger. In added time referee Easter Zimba denied Wanderers a penalty appeal to further frustrate the Lali Lubani Road outfit.
Eagles Coach Eliya Kananji said it was a crucial win as they aim at finishing on position two. “Our players were outstanding because they followed all the instructions. We could have won comfortably if we had utilised all our chances,” he said.
In another match, Civil Service United beat Ekwendeni Hammers 1-0 with Bashir Maunde converting a penalty to help his side win. Action in the league will continue this afternoon Karonga United will host Red Lions at Karonga Stadium whereas Moyale Barracks will entertain TN Stars at Mzuzu Stadium.
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