By: Andrew Cane Chilapondwa
Victor Nyirenda scored the only goal in the first half to inspire Blue Eagles to a 1-nil victory over debutant Dwangwa United in the TNM Premier League played at Chitowe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
It was a tough encounter for the area 30 based side as they started a life without Schumaker Kuwali and John Banda who joined a Mozambican club last month.
The debutants gave it all in their first top flight league as they created some goal-scoring opportunities only to be denied by John Soko in goal for the visitors.
Blue Eagles then scored their first goal of the season through Nyirenda following an intelligent pass from Wister Phiri, 1-0.
The visitors were dominating as they pressed harder in search for more goals but the hosts were able to tame their pace especially in the midfield where Phillip Masiye was operating.
Towards the end of the first half, Junior Malidadi for the visitors tried a long-range shot but it went wide of Dwangwa’s posts after a brilliant lay off by Phiri from the right flank. In the second half, the hosts kept chasing a goal but Soko in goal for Eagles was very alert as he made some important saves to frustrate the home fans.
The cops should have sealed the game in the 60th minute through Malidadi who swindled a fine pass from Masiye when the goalkeeper was already beaten.
Eagles dominated the proceedings in the last 20 minutes but failed to increase their tally as Dwangwa defended jealously and after 90 minutes of play, it ended in a 1-nil victory in favor of Eagles who described their opponents as the toughest.
At Balaka Stadium, Boniface Kaulesi’s first half strike was enough to inspire Red Lions to a 1-nil victory over Epac FC.
On Saturday, Big Bullets and Moyale Barracks played to a goalless draw at Kamuzu Stadium whilst Kamuzu Barracks gave away a 2-nil lead to draw 2-2 with Civo Service United at Civo Stadium.
In another results, Mafco FC defeated Mzuni FC 1-0 to start the campaign on a very high note.
Congrats