Chitipa Utd kicks off second round  with defeat

Chitipa United have started the second round of the 2017/18 TNM Super League season on a bad note after going down 0-2 to Civil Sporting Club on Monday afternoon at Mzuzu Stadium.

United were composed from the start of the first whistle as they knocked twice in succession at the visitors goal but the experience of Civil Sporting Club defence marshaled by Gomezgani Chirwa and Lawrence Chaziya on the centre and Willard Dickson and Captain Righteous Banda as wing backs was very solid to deny the “home” side a meaningful shot at goal.

It was in the 20th minute when Captain Righteous Banda for Civil Sporting Club took a free kick from about 47 metres on the left which found Lawrence Chaziya in the air in the six metre box and his powerful header landed into United’s net as goalkeeper Jeremiah Simfukwe had no suitable answer to the ball that kissed his net. 1 nil to the visitors.

Seven minutes later, Righteous Banda was on the ball again on the left flank and his left footed cross was spot on Raphael Phiri, who after defying the law of gravity, managed to nod the ball past Chitipa United goalkeeper. 2 nil.

When referee Mike Misinjo blew his whistle for recess, the visitors were 2 nil ahead of Chitipa United.

In the second half, Chitipa United had an uphill task to begin reducing the arrears but heavily built Dan Msimuko and Andrew Banda were hundred percent on duty for Civil Sporting Club in the middle of the park as a strong Japanese made motor bicycle hub.

Hard working Wacheta Mwenifumbo for Chitipa United laid a vital through ball to Christopher Mtambo in the 74th minute but Mtambo’s shot was wild over the cross bar.

After 90 minutes, the scoreboard was clear in declaring Civil Sporting Club 2 nil victors.

Speaking to Nyasa Times after the match, Chitipa United coach Kondwani Toots Mwalweni said the main problem was poor preparation as players were recalled into camp very late and a good number of them could not make it for training.

He assured Chitipa United fans that the team will get back to its desired form and everything will be alright despite registering a loss at the commencement of the second round.

Team Manager for Civil Sporting Club Gabriel Chirwa told Nyasa Times that the game was tough but it felt good to collect maximum three points.

“I thank my boys for working very hard away in this particular game. We were sharp in the wings as well as in defence and that’s why we had an upper hand over Chitipa United. It is our wish to finish in the top eight,” added Chirwa.

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