Blue Eagles beat Epac to extend lead: Malawi TNM Super League
Blue Eagle recovered well from a humiliating 3-0 thumping against Civo last weekend to beat city rivals Epac 3-1.
The Police outfit now has 20 points from nine games.
In Saturday’s encounter, it was a balanced affair in the opening five minutes as both sides were looking for an early lead.
But Epac were on the back foot as Eagles midfield comprising of Phillip Masiye and Patrick Masanjala who has
just recovered from a knee injury, started dominating the affairs on the middle of the park.
Epac’s weakness was witnessed in the 7th minute when goalkeeper Tione Tembo let in what appeared to be a silly goal from Charles Ngosi.
Tembo fumbled a weak shot straight into the legs of Ngosi who made no mistake to hit the net.
Epac reorganized and started to launch counter attacks.
Mussa Manyenje o was a marvel to watch and orchestrated most of Epac moves and made several attempts but could not break the Eagles defense marshaled by Kenneth Mponda alongside Innocent Ngwira and Alupheous Nyoni.
After more pressure, Epac were awarded a corner in the 16th minute.
Unmarked Ishmael Thindwa jumped high to head in a beautifully curved corner by from captain Tsanzo Dalio.
In the 36th minute Stuart Mbunge scored for Eagles but referee Leo Ngoleka disallowed the goal for an offside.
First half ended 1-1.
In the second half, Blue Eagles looked a rejuvenated side as they looked more composed and focused than their opponents.
Epac also tried to create a number of chances thanks to some good works from Manyenje but his partner Thindwa could not be at the right place at the right time.
Eagles brought in Japhet Mambelera for Stuart Mbunge while Maxwell Salambula replaced Patrick Masanjala.
They also introduced Shumaka Kuwali who produced a fantastic freekick in the 76th minute that was headed in
by Ngosi again to make it 2-1 for Eagles.
The goal destructed Epac who were completely out of the game.
Eagles continued to attack and in the 79th minute when substitute Mambelera scored the third goal.
He capitalised on a beautiful through ball from captain John Banda who outpaced defender Bright Phiri on the right flank.
Speaking after the match, Epac coach Abbas Makawa blamed his keeper for letting in silly goals.
“We played well but our goalkeeper let us down; he let in silly goals, “said Makawa.
He however said he is optimistic that they will bounce back and register positive results.
Blue Eagles team manager Gabriel Chirwa praised his charges and applauded them for recovering well from last week’s first defeat.
“We are coming from a 3-0 defeat so we told the boys to forget the past and forge ahead,” he said.
“We have been on top since the opening of the season so most of the teams are preparing hard for us,” said Chirwa.
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