Tigers displace Wanderers on second place after hammering Epac 4-0: Malawi TNM Super League

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers second position in the TNM Super League was threatened on Sunday as Azam Tigers produced a classic performance in their 4-0 victory over Epac FC   at Kamuzu Stadium in front of not more than 3000 spectators to overtake the blues.

The Kau-Kau boys have dislodged Mighty Be Forward Wanderers on the second position on goal aggregate. They all share 26 points but the Kau-Kau boys have a better goal difference having scored 23 goals against the Lali Lubani Road outfit’s 20.

Goals from Yamikani Chester, Peter Kansonga, and Daniel Sibale drove the Kau-Kau boys  to victory after Bright Munthali  had given them the lead in the 20th minute.

This was a disaster for Epac because 24 hours later they also lost 4-1 to champions and highflying league leaders Big Bullets on the same venue.

They did not show any determination to win as their striking force looked blunt with a disjointed midfield and poor defense.

This was also Tigers first victory at home this season.

The Kau-Kau boys named a full strength side, giving Ernest Kakhobwe   the mantle to man the posts, while the likes of Kansonga, Bonda Mpinganjira, Yamikani Chester and Peter Cholopi also made the first eleven.

Epac gave starts to some new signings like Happy Msowoya in goals and Boston Kabango, with Gerald Mkungula getting the nod up front.

And it was Tigers through Benard Harawa who started the game in blazing fashion, linking up with right-back Willy Saenda on the right in the seventh minute, getting behind Epac defence only to see the ball run out of play.

And then six minutes later, Chester threatened again on the left, with a 40-metre run, before Epac  blunted the danger.

Epac had few clear cut chances in the first 25th minute, but it was Tigers skilful midfielder Yamikani Chester  delighted the crowd with an early back heel as he tried to link up with striker Bright Munthali.

The home side  took the lead somewhat against the run of play after what initially appeared to be a hopeful ball from Munthali.

Munthali received a grass cutter pass from Kansonga, who headed it   and beat goalkeeper Happy Msowoya.

Tigers  were growing in more confidence after the goal. In the 34th minute a fluent passing move, was set by Harawa to Kansonga whose well-struck shot flashed wide of the goal.

There were no further scares for Epac, as most of their players were completely confused and not committed at all.

Come second half, Tigers roared by scoring some more goals to make it 4-0.

However, Epac   came out recharged and at their creative best. Clement Mvula brilliantly released Gerald Nkungula on the left but the forward shot wide after cutting in.

In the 60th minute, Happy Msowoya was called upon to make his significant contribution, diving away to his left to deflect a firm left-footed strike from Peter Kansonga that was heading to the far corner.

A few minutes later, Innocent Tanganyika  powerful run through the left ended in a cross aimed at the onrushing Ranken Mwale who dived forwards but narrowly failed to get a glancing header in.

However, Tigers were not to be denied their well-deserved second. Munthali found Kansonga at the edge of the area. The tallest striker weaved his way around the box and his right -footed shot was perfectly placed to the near corner past the despairing dive of Epac keeper.

Towards the end of the game, Daniel Sibale firm right-footed shot to the far corner from inside the area was laser-like and gave no chance to Epac custodian.

That goal slowed down the tempo of the game with Tigers content to close out the game by keeping possession in midfield.

At full-time, Tigers players converged on the centre circle to chant songs praising God for their victory, “ Amayenda ndi Yesu amawoneka, amawoneka mawinidwe.”

Epac FC Coach Abasi Makawa described his players as lazy and lacking commitment.

“My players are not working very hard and that’s the reason why we’re conceding silly goals. I cannot continue working with people who do not want to listen but make unnecessarily noise. Thank God we have finished first round and l need to search for committed players,” said the furious Makawa.

Epac have finished second from the bottom of the table with 11 points from 14 games played in the first-round. They registered three wins, two draws and nine losses, scoring 16 goals and conceding 29.

Azam Tigers coach Gerald Phiri saluted his troops for ending their curse this season by winning their first game at home.

“We have now won at home after a series of games. This will encourage us more in the second round,” said Phiri.

“More pleasing is that we have pushed to number two. I’m happy with the way the guys have been responding during training,” said Tigers coach.

Elsewhere, Kamuzu Barracks beat Mafco FC 3-1 while Silver Strikers were forced to a 1-1 draw against Fisd Wizards, as Moyale Barracks defeated Civo United 1-0.

There are two games remaining to wind up the 2015 TNM Super League first round, with Wizards expected to travel to the central region to face Civo and Kamuzu Barracks.

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