Reds go top as TNM Super League kicks off
Red Lions have become the first team to collect maximum points in their opening two away games as the 2009 TNM Super League kicked off on Saturday with joy and tears.
However, the Zomba-based soldiers collected the other three points against Blue Eagles without kicking the ball after the Lilongwe based law enforcers failed to turn up at their own backyard, Nankhaka Stadium, for the encounter on Saturday.
Reds were awarded three points and two goals translating to six goals scored and six points in their first two games.
At the start of last season, it was Silver Striker who collected maximum points in their away two games in Southern Region.
On Sunday, the soldiers traveled to Chitowe Stadium in Dwanga where they walloped Dwanga United 4-0 with goals coming from Malumbo Mkandawire, Geofrey Nkuliwa and former national team striker Victor Phiri, who scored a brace.
Dwangwa have earned a promotion back into top flight league after playing in the Chipiku Central Region Football League last season. They were relegated from TNM Super League in 2007.
Trailing the Reds are ESCOM United, the 2007 champions, who have three points after embarrassing new arrivals in the league Nkhata Bay United, formerly Nkhata Bay Medicals, at their own home with five goals without reply.
The electricians scored through Flames striker Peter Wadabwa (pictured in yellow jersey), Luke Milanzi, Jacob Ngwira and Kondwani Gawani who hit the net twice.
Nkhata Bay United trainer Julius Mbale downplayed concerns that with such a wide margin in their starting match, his team would be the league’s whipping boys.
“This is just the starting game and we can’t be judged by one game… We will ensure that we rectify all the weaknesses by the time we meet our next opponents,” he said.
However, there were mixed fortunes for the other Blantyre based side, Tigers FC and the once mighty Bullets FC.
After beating Dwanga United 1-0 on Saturday at Chitowe Stadium, the peoples’ team fell to CIVO United on Sunday. They lost 1-0 at Civo Stadium through a 68th minute penalty converted by Lawrence ‘Teacher’ Mwehiwa following a foul on Frank Banda.
CIVO Coach Alex Masanjala lauded his charges for kicking off the season on a high note but bemoaned the score line saying his team would have won with more than three goals.
“I am glad we have started the season with a win. It was well balanced game which we would have won by at least three goals had it been not of the misfiring,” said Masanjala.
“We will try to maintain the momentum in our next games,” added the veteran tactician.
Last year, CIVO also beat Bullets at the same venue with a lone goal scored by Frank Banda.
And at Kamuzu Stadium, Tigers, who beat the prestigious K60 million Presidential Cup defending champions, MTL Wanderers, got a rude awakening when they were defeated 3-1 by Mzuzu based soldiers Moyale Barracks.
The soldiers scored through their goal-hungry forward Chrispin Fukizi and under-17 sensational striker Andy Simkonda, who banged in two goals. Tigers’ Chikaiko Bridge grabbed the consolation strike.
In another game played in Zomba, Chimwemwe Chakhumbira was the hero as Blackpool collected maximum points beating new comers Zomba United, formerly Zomba Medicals, 1-0.
Initially, defending champions Silver Strikers were scheduled to start their defense campaign against MTL Wanderers but the game was cancelled on the eleventh hour following the death of Silver co-coach Manson Shaba Phiri on Thursday.
Sponsors Telekom Networks Malawi have unveiled the package for this year’s winners with the champions expected to cash K8 million.
Tagged with: Bullets, MTL Wanderers, Red Lions, Silver Strikers, Sulom, Super League, TNM
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