KB shoot down Tigers: Malawi TNM Super League

Harvey Nkacha’s second half goal gave Kamuzu Barracks a win against Azam Tigers to further damage the Kau-Kau boys hopes of finishing top four in the first round of the TNM Super League.

Nkacha arrowed in a low half-volley after a poor headed clearance from Tigers defenders  in the 47th minute.

Kamuzu Barracks players led by the goal scorer run towards their bench in a circle, substitutes and squad players sprinting to join them, and danced in celebration of the goal.

In a game that was played on the edge of ill-discipline, the home side had wasted chances as Peter Kansonga had a shot saved by Lemani Nthara and Yamikani Chester ‘s headed just over.

The battle was on the midfield, where Dave Banda and Nkacha battled with Yamikani Chester, who was on top of his game.

However, Kamuzu Barracks were more dangerous when going forward, as they attacked their opponent with speed and pace.

Tiger’s players lacked seriousness, as they resorted in sending back the ball instead of being offensive.

Apart from Chester on the left flank, who tried to supply crosses to Kansonga their left line went completely dead.

In the second half, both teams made several changes, but they resorted into aerial balls to the dissatisfaction of a poor patronage that turned up for the match.

Most of the spectators, especially from the Biafra stands could be seen enjoying basking on the sun rather than watching the boring game.

In the 67th minute, Tigers accelerated the tempo of their game, by piling up more pressure to the visitors.

The pressure finally landed Kamuzu Barracks in trouble following Dave Banda’s second yellow card for a bad tackle before being shown a red card.

Towards the end of the game, Diverson Chilemba went to ground after being brought down, but his appeals for a penalty were rejected by referee.

After realizing that time was not on their side, Tigers panicked in the dying minute trying to find an equalizer but Kamuzu Barracks defence, which was led by Mustaf Salimu and Pilirani Makupe stood firmly until the last whistle.

Azam Tigers coach Gerald Phiri said: “It was a normal performance. I don’t think we played very bad. We had three or four chances. Kamuzu Barracks had just one shot on target and scored one goal, but we need to create more chances.

“I don’t think we created the amount of chances we need to score goals.”

Tigers, who are sitting on sixth position of the log table, having collected 17 points from 10 games, remain with four matches to wind up their first round league fixtures.

“When you have mathematical chances you must try to continue fighting. But the most important thing is to trust in what we are doing, try to win the next game and we will see at the end of the season where we finish,” said Phiri.

However, Kamuzu Barracks coach Temwa Msuku and his technical panel refused to grant a post-match interview saying the Malawi Defense Force board ordered them to stop talking to the media.

But man-of-the-match Mkacha said “it was a tough game” and that the win has been a big boost after a defeat against Dedza Young Soccer.

Big Bullets, who beat their traditional rivals Be Forward Wanderers in the Blantyre derby on Saturday, comfortably sit at the summit of the table with 26 points, five above the Nomads who have a game in hand having played 11 matches against BB’s 12.

Sharing is caring!