By Rahim Abdul
Blue Eagles produced a composed and disciplined performance to overturn an early deficit and claim a 2-1 victory over Ekhaya FC in TNM Super League encounter played on Saturday afternoon at Kamuzu stadium in Blantyre.
Ekhaya FC made a promising start, taking control of the game in the opening minutes. Emmanuel Saviel appeared to have opened the scoring but his effort was ruled out for offside. Moments later, the hosts found their breakthrough when James Lumbe capitalized on a defensive lapse from Bannet Konyo, slotting home from close range to put Ekhaya ahead in the fifth minute.
The early goal appeared to inspire Ekhaya, who displayed confident and fluid passing in midfield through Stanley Billiat and Moses Banda.
However, despite their dominance, they failed to capitalize on several opportunities to extend their lead. Blue Eagles gradually grew into the game and began to threaten the hosts’ backline with persistent attacking moves.
Their pressure was finally rewarded in the 39th minute when Tonic Viyuyi rose above the Ekhaya defense to head home a well-delivered cross from Laurent Banda, restoring parity before the break.
The equalizer shifted momentum in favor of the visitors and Ekhaya’s afternoon took a further blow when goal scorer Lumbe was forced off with an injury just before halftime.
The second half began at a frantic pace with Ekhaya earning a penalty in the 48th minute after Ganizani James was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.
However, Emmanuel Saviel failed to convert as Blue Eagles goalkeeper Precious Masamba guessed correctly to make a crucial save.
That miss proved costly. In the 56th minute, Micium Mhone completed the turnaround for Blue Eagles, expertly finishing from a Trouble Banda assist to make it 2-1. From that point on, the visitors managed the game well, maintaining defensive organization while continuing to pose a threat on the counterattack.
Ekhaya made several substitutions in an effort to chase the game, introducing Blessings Malinda, Joseph Saiwa, and Clever Chikwata but they struggled to break down a resilient Blue Eagles defense marshalled by captain Ganizani James.
Despite a few half-chances from Saviel and Kesten Simbi late in the match, the hosts could not find an equalizer.
Blue Eagles held firm in the closing stages to secure an important three points with Mhone who scored the decisive goal and delivered a superb all-round performance named Player of the Match.
Speaking after the game, Ekhaya coach Enos Chatama lamented his side’s lack of focus and composure.
“We lost concentration after scoring early. The players thought the match was already won and we became too casual. We also missed a crucial penalty that could have changed the momentum. Our defending was poor and communication was lacking. We must learn to manage games better and maintain discipline throughout.”
Blue Eagles coach Deckreck Sakakuona praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit.
“The boys showed great character today. After conceding early, they didn’t panic they stuck to the game plan, kept possession and took their chances. We have been working to regain confidence after a few tough results and this win is a big step forward. We’ll continue to build from here and aim for a strong finish to the season.”
