Red Lions beat KB in TNM thriller: Malawi Super League
Red Lions FC lived up to their word when they beat visiting Kamuzu Barracks 2-0 in a thrilling TNM Super League match played at Zomba Community centre ground on Sunday.
Kumbukani Mwambene was the toast of the day when he claimed a brace in an all-soldiers affair. The soldiers had poor start last week when they drew 1-1 with Blantyre United.
But their coach Billy Phambala made some changes to the line-up against the Lilongwe-based soldiers.
The Lilongwe-based soldiers had a sour weekend after losing 1-0 to Big Bullets the previous day at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Innocent Bokosi, Loti Chawinga, Kumbukani Mwambene and Pearson Panje were thrown into action having missed last week’s encounter.
Ironically, Kamuzu Barracks missed the services of Joel Chipofya, Harvey Nkacha and Dave Banda.
The Zomba-based soldiers were dominant throughout the first half but Boniface Kaulesi was the main culprit when he missed several scoring opportunities to the dismay of his team mates.
On the other hand, the visitors’ striking force was found wanting. Kelvin Hanganda and Jawadu Samilu fluffed up chances at will.
Mwambene put the Reds ahead with a brilliant connection after Chawinga’s fine cross on the left to rest the scores at 1-0 during half-time.
There was life in the game during the second half with both sides pressing for the advantage. World Nkuliwa had his effort tipped over the cross bar by Lions goalkeeper Brighton Nwenyama for an abortive corner.
Despite making substitutions, Kamuzu Barracks failed to penetrate Red Lions’ territory as Gibson Nkhonjera, Mphatso Ngwira and Panje stood firm at the back.
Mwambene, who was voted man-of-the-match came on the limelight again in the 79th minute with a beautiful bicycle kick after Bokosi had done the spadework on the right wing.
In post-match interview, Kamuzu Barracks coach Charles Kamanga accepted defeat saying his charges missed good scoring opportunities.
“We are lacking finishing prowess but we hope to rectify when we return to training this week. We played second fiddle to Red Lions and we gave them too much respect on the ball,” he said.
His counterpart Billie Phambala was on cloud nine with the win.
“I told you that this season we have come a different team. It beats me to see Red Lions finishing on an unenviable position after leading the table for the better part of the season. I want my team to finish top this season and I am sure we are going to make it this time around,” said Phambala.
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