By McLloyd Kudzingo
An 82nd-minute own goal by Miracle Gabeya earned Chitipa United maximum points as they defeated Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Gabeya’s own goal was enough to grant the McDonald Mtetemera’s side the precious three points as the former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defender headed the ball into his own goal while trying to clear a Lorenzo Ghedo’s corner kick.
The game began in a comfortable fashion for the Nomads, with Misheck Botomani and Felix Zulu getting lots of possession in midfield, but failing to threaten George Chikooka in the Chitipa United goal.
The visitors however, looked more composed as the match went on, and given the gulf between the two teams in terms of skill and experience, it was a good first half performance by the Chitipa-based side.
In the second half, Wanderers made a number of substitutions, bringing in Chiukepo Msowoya for Vincent Nyangulu and Mathews Masamba for Isaac Kaliati.
In the 52nd minute, the league’s leading scorer Christopher Kumwembe sustained a knee injury forcing Wanderers to replace him with Mphatso Kamanga.
On the other hand, Chitipa took off Mabuchi Msiska who was replaced by Aaron Kayira in the 55th minute.
Wanderers made a fourth substitution in the 66th minute replacing Misheck Botomani with Vitumbiko Kumwenda but still this did not yield anything as the Nomads failed to find the back on the net.
After the match, Chitipa United captain Chris Lwemba was named Man of the Match.
The result means that Wanderers have missed an opportunity to go top as they are stuck on second position with 14 points, level with leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets but the People’s team have a chance to increase their lead at the top as they meet the struggling Red Lions on Sunday.
On the other hand, Chitipa have moved to fifth on the log table with 10 points after playing seven games just like fellow northern region side, Karonga United.
Karonga drew 1-all against Ekwendeni Hammers at Mzuzu Stadium with goals from Davie Tobias and Mphatso Magaleta respectively.
In Dwangwa, Mafco FC came from behind to claim a 2-1 win against rookies Extreme FC at Chitowe Stadium.
Yohane Malunga and Bernard Chimayimba were on target for the Salima-based soldiers while Justice Honde scored for Extreme FC.
On Sunday, Silver Strikers will be looking forward to get back to winning ways following a series of draws as they host Bangwe All Stars at Silver Stadium.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will host Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium as Dedza Dynamos welcomes Mighty Tigers at Dedza Stadium.
Moyale Barracks will play Blue Eagles at Mzuzu Stadium and Civil Service United will host Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium.
