Lions, Tigers in draw: Malawi TNM Super League
Zomba based soldiers Red Lions F.C on Sunday failed to move to fourth position of the K65 Million TNM Super League after forced to a 1-1 draw against Azam Tigers who have now gone three games unbeaten.
The Lions who dominated the entire 90 minutes of the game should hold themselves responsible for blowing off the much needed maximum three points due to intense missing of clear scoring opportunities.
Azam Tigers have all the reasons to praise their first choice goalkeeper Nenani Juwawo for excellent goal keeping skills that prevented the soldiers from breaking the deadlock.
The defence was also in good shape but the midfield was totally outclassed despite having experienced legs of former Mighty Wanderers midfielder Nafe Msasa.
Azam suffered a huge blow when they hard their keeper Juwawo stretched off and rushed to hospital after he collided with a Red Lions player in an aerial combat.
He was replaced with Thomas Kalabvina who was welcomed with a number of fierce wave after wave counterattacks by the soldiers.
Lion’s hard work paid off in the 44th minute through a Thomas Makumba’s bicycle kick after Kalabvina had fumbled the ball.
In the second half, Azam looked a rejuvenated side as they managed to produce a couple of accurate passes though not consistent enough.
On the other hand Lions continued to pile pressure and produce some scaring attacks towards Azam Tigers goal.
They nearly increased the scores in the 60th minute but a well curved free kick from Lions defender Mphatso Ngwira missed the target by a whisker.
Thomas Makumba was the major culprit as he missed a couple of chances including a man to man.
As everyone thought Red Lions had carried the day, Peter Katsonga equalized for Azam with seven minutes from time.
The goal gave the Kau Kau boys extra power but could not find the winning goal.
Speaking after the match, Red Lions coach Collins Nkuna described the game as disappointing. He blamed his charges for lack of concentration hence giving Azam a silly goal.
“This is a very disappointing result; we dominated the entire game only to give out a silly game towards the last seven minutes of the game” Nkuna told Nyasatimes.
“We expected to win this game but what else can we say it has happened but” he added.
On the other hand, it was all smiles for Azam Tigers Technical Director Robin Alufandika.
“Our opponents were a better side because they were fresh and we had another game yesterday. We thought that we could win this match but in the first half we did not play our usual game obviously due to fatigue but all in all the result is good for us” said Alufandika.
Despite playing for only less than 30 minutes, Azam keeper Nenani Juwawo was voted man of the match.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :