Karonga Utd enjoy first win under coach Oscar Kaunda
Title contenders Blue Eagles return to their base Area 30, Lilongwe with three points out of possible six in their bag, having beaten Moyale Barracks 1 -0 on Saturday but went down 2-1 to Karonga United 24 hours later at Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday.
Barely 5 minutes into the game, Khumbo Msowoya for Karonga United had his powerful shot fumbled by the Eagles keeper John Soko, a sign that the Crocodiles of Karonga came into the game to get goals under their new coach Oscar Kaunda.
In the 19th minute, a long ball from the centre of the park found Khumbo Msowoya again in the 18 metre box and he headed it over the goalkeeper into the net for the Crocodiles of Karonga to lead one nil.
The Eagles equalized two minutes later through their danger man Victor Nyirenda.
Khumbo Msowoya unleashed another thunderous shot in the 33rd minute but Blue Eagles goal minder John Soko was very alert to parry the ball over the cross bar for a corner.
The Eagles made a quick reply three minutes later when Osward Maonga’s powerful free kick was also parried over the cross bar by goalkeeper Lloyd Munthali. 1-1 it was at recess.
In the second half, both teams came with more vigour and energy to find a winning goal.
A fierce attack by the Crocodiles of Karonga in 56th minute resulted in Alpheous Nyoni bringing down Bernard Msiska in the 18 metre box. Referee Misheck Juwa did not hesitate to award Karonga United a penalty which Khumbo Msowoya converted.
Msowoya’s brace saw the Crocodiles of Karonga beat title contenders Blue Eagles by 2 goals to one in the first game and first win under their new mentor, Oscar Kaunda, who was once coaching Civo United but recently led Zolozolo United to the quarter finals of the FISD Challenge Cup.
Speaking to Nyasa Times after the game, Oscar Kaunda said he once played for Blue Eagles under Deklerk Msakakuona and he knew their tactics well.
“I told my boys to close them down in midfield and it worked. I am happy that we have won the game. Karonga United supporters should not lose heart. The team will continue to win matches and stay in the Super League,” remarked Kaunda confidently.
On his part, coach for Blue Eagles, Deklerk Msakakuona said his team created a number of chances but failed to convert them into goals.
“We wanted to go back home with six points. It’s unfortunate that we have lost this game. The season is not yet over. We have a number of games to play and therefore we cannot be ruled out as title contenders,” stressed Msakakuona.
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