Dedza Young Soccer end Blue Eagles’ title dreams

Innocent Makalani scored in the second half to inspire Malawi super league rookies Dedza Young Soccer to a hard fought 1-nil victory over Blue Eagles in a league match played at Dedza Stadium.

The cops from area 30 were hoping to mount pressure on league leaders Big Bullets but Millias Pofera’s boys had already planned for their downfall.

Coming straight from their 1-1 draw to Bullets last week, the Soccer Saints struggled a bit in the opening minutes of the match but the visitors lacked cutting edge inside the penalty box.

 Shumaker Kuwali led the attack for the cops.

The hosts had their first shot at goal in the 11th minute but Eagle’s shot-stopper was very much alert to clear the danger away.

At the other end, John Banda combined well with John Malidadi but the latter fired wide from the close range.

Chisomo Mpachika at the back had Kuwali in his pocket as he gave him no chance throughout the opening minutes of the match.

Bandawe had a clear cut chance when he was set free by Amadu Makawa but the in-form striker fired straight at John Soko in goals for the visitors and the first half ended goalless.

Come second half, it was the same case as both teams opted to play in the middle of the park.

However, Dedza defied the odds when Makuluni found the opener following brilliant display of football from the rookies, 1-0.

The goal was a wake up call to Eagles who pressed harder in search for the equalizer but the hosts’ defense was too strong as Mpachika and co made no mistake in their line of duty.

Last week’s hattrick hero for Eagles Wister Phiri missed the opportunity when he was set through by Kuwali.

The drama was far from over when the officiating person denied Kuwali’s goal towards the end of the match and after 90 minutes of play, it ended 1-0 in favor of the hosts to take their tally to 23 points from 23 games.

The defeat is a massive blow to Eagles who wanted to reduce the gap between them and the league leaders.

Bullets are now six points away from the title.

As for Dedza, they have now moved out of the danger zone with the said points but if they are to survive, they must win all the remaining games.