Karonga Utd prey on Civo: Malawi TNM Super League
Having conceded eleven goals last weekend against Mighty Be Forward Wanderers and Azam Tigers in Blantyre, Karonga United came fully charged to vent their anger on Civo United on Saturday at Mzuzu Stadium, beating them by a single goal to nil, in the TNM Super League.
Civo were the first to get a clear cut chance in the 12th minute but Gerald Nkungula blasted the ball over the crossbar all alone unmarked.
Karonga United looked very confident and composed on the ball but could not make a convincing move to shoot and trouble Civo United’s goal minder until the 34th minute when Khumbo Msowoya zigzagged his way through the civil servants’ defence only to shoot off target.
The crocodiles of Karonga continued to pile pressure on the civil servants with fierce attacking moves through Nangaunogze Luhanga, Pacharo Ngwira, Khumbo Msowoya and Bennah Kaole. Civo had to defend for a better part of the first half.
Karonga United should have taken a lead one minute before half time. A beautifully taken free kick by Bennah Kaole saw the ball floating dangerously into the 18 metre box but Jussab Mpachika headed it against the cross bar. 0-0 it remained at recess.
Seven minutes into the second half, Nangaunogze Luhanga for Karonga United received a beautiful cross from the left and unleashed a thunderous shot 40 metres out, beating goalkeeper Duncan Mkandawire who could not do anything as the ball was kissing the roof of the net.
Coach for Civo United Charles Manda made a double substitution in the 57th minute. He pulled out Ian Chinyama who was tightly marked on the left frank and often misfired at goal and replaced him with Thoko Harrison. Victor Mpinganjira went in to replace Raphael Phiri.
The civil servants then began displaying a good passing game in the second half with the crocodiles doing much defending.
The crocodiles were now living dangerously as Civo United attacked them fiercely until substitute Foster Ngwira handled the ball in the 18 metre box leaving referee Mike Misinjo with no option but to point on the deadly spot, a minute into injury time. Jeres Lufeyo stepped to take the hard worn penalty only to shoot wide off the mark.
It ended in favour of Karonga United.
“My players were not composed in front of goal. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t get a goal. It’s unfortunate that we even missed a penalty. We will certainly discover our winning formular,” explained Civo United mentor after the game.
His counterpart Kondwani Mwalweni said he was happy to collect three points.
“You are aware that we were in the bottom three on the log table but with this win I think we have moved a few steps up,” added Mwalweni.
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