Civo salvage a point in Mzuzu: Malawi TNM Super League
Coming from a defeat against Karonga United on Saturday, Civo United Football Club managed to salvage a point on Sunday in a goalless encounter against Moyale Barracks, played before a sizeable crowd at Mzuzu Stadium.
The first notable chance of the match was created by Moyale Barracks in the 10th minute when Suwedi Limbani floated the ball into the 18 metre box from a free kick, 45 metres out, but Boyboy Chima’s powerful header missed the target with a whisker.
Civo replied four minutes later with a beautiful exchange of passes involving midfield maestro Dan Msimuko, Nelson “Silencer” Kangunje and Richard Chande. Chande managed to beat the advancing Moyale shot stopper but his final shot was cleared off the goal line by defencer pillar Ntopijo Njewa for Moyale Barracks.
Five minutes before half time, Gustin Simkonda could have scored probably the most beautiful goal of the season when he chested in the air a Boyboy Chima flick but his spectacular scissors kick hit the upright.
In the second half, Civo were the first to ask questions in the 49th minute when Raphael Phiri pulled the trigger but the bullet hit the upright.
There was not much to write about in the second half as Moyale’s marksman Gastin Simkonda was well tamed by Civo’s captain Blessings Kawanga.
The Moyale defence marshaled by Ntopijo Njewa, Lovemore Jere, Suwedi Limbani and Captain Timothy Nyirenda also kept Civo United strikers at bay, forcing the game to end goalless.
Speaking after the game, Civo United coach Charles Manda expressed dissatisfaction over the goalless draw.
“Moyale were playing a very physical game and we could not match them in other areas but we managed to squeeze them with very few scoring opportunities. Any way, a point is better than none,” explained Manda.
Assistant coach for Moyale Barracks, Charles Kamanga, also expressed disappointment over the draw blaming it much on the poor condition of the pitch.
