Blue Eagles register first win in second round

…Mafco humbled at Mzuzu Stadium

Blue Eagles FC are now back in the title race following their 2-nil victory over relegation threatened Premier Bet Wizards FC at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Second half goals from Phillip Masiye and Gregory Nachipo moved the Area 30 Cops to third position, a point behind leaders Silver Strikers.

On the field of play, Wizards were able to keep possession but to unlock Eagles’ defence proved too difficult for the minnows who were slaughtered 6-nil by the same opponent in the first round of the competition.

Patrick Phiri was the man to watch for Wizards as he kept on tormenting the visitors’ defence but was unable to find the back of the net.

However, the hosts had a goal ruled out for offside when Bernard Chimaimba released Phiri who made no mistake to slot past John Soko in goals for the visitors but his celebration was cut off as he was deemed to have been in an offside position.

Just before half time, Eagles suffered a major blow when midfielder Gilbert Chirwa was stretchered off, allowing Elijah Kabingu to come in his place, goalless it was at the recess.

Come second half, it only took less than ten minutes for the visitors to break the deadlock.

Eneya Banda misplaced a pass in his own half, allowing Nachipo to feed Masiye who made no mistake by releasing a thunderbolt past Wanipa Gondwe into the back of the net, 1-0.

Few minutes later, the lead was doubled.

Nachipo turned from a provider to a scorer when he made a cool finish from a Stuart Mbunge million dollar pass from the right flank, 2-0.

Minutes later Jide Mbandambanda had to come in for Banda, with Isaac Mwale coming for Franklon Mlimanjala as the hosts were pushing for a goal but Eagles defence remained intact.

Eagles almost got their third goal on the day through Maxwell Salambula whose volley came off the woodwork, before hitting the post some few minutes later and after 90 minutes of play, it ended 2-nil in favor of Blue Eagles who were beaten 2-1 by Red Lions on Saturday.

The result sees Eagles climbing up to 3rd with 39 points from 21 games while Wizards are still stuck on 13th position with 19 points, a point adrift of safety.

At Mzuzu Stadium, Chamveka Gwetsani and Kuda Muyaba inspired Moyale Barracks to a 2-nil victory over fellow brothers in arms Mafco FC.

The victory was the first one for the Mzuzu based Soldiers in the second round of the top flight.

As for Mafco, their away from home assignment only earned them a point and they have since been leapfrogged at the top to fourth in the standings with 38 points from 21 games.