Khuda Muyaba’ stunning free kick sinks Premier Bet Wizards

…Civil thump Chitipa United

Moyale Barracks fought back from a goal down to beat Premier Bet Wizards 2-1 in the Super League at Mulanje Park on Saturday afternoon.

The highlight of the match was Khuda Muyaba’s stunning free kick from 35 yards out to send the Mzuzu based soldiers to second position on the log table behind Be Forward Wanderers who will play against third placed Red Lions on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams were coming from victories in their last week encounters no wonder spectators were entertained from the word go.

Wizards were playing their normal attacking football to frustrate the visitors who, despite playing second fiddle in the first half, defended jealously against Patrick Phiri and Misheck Botoman who were attacking like angry vipers.

It took more than 25 minutes for the visitors to test Francis Nkanda in goals for Wizards as he produced a stunning save.

Phiri continued to torment Moyale’ defence but the hosts lacked firepower as they kept on gifting the balls to Juma Chikwenga who was manning the southern goal post.

However, the visitors were dealt with a massive blow when winger Zondi Munthali was substituted following a harsh tackle from Botomani who was cautioned in the process.

Wizards then made their first half substitute, bringing in Amadu Makawa for Sydney Chabulika.

Come second half, the midfield battle continued as Simeon Singa and Jelesi Lufeyo tussled with Charles Chilembo and Christopher Zgambo for possession in the middle of the park.

Lively Phiri forced Chikwenga into making an early save in the half when he combined well with Kondwani Majoni.

At the other end, Nkanda produced a stunning save to deny Chilembo from finding the back of the net when Wizards’ defence was caught napping in the line of duty.

Deus Mkutu was then substituted for Wiseman Kamanga while Innocent Manganyera came in for Makawa for the home side.

With less than 25 minutes to play, Wizards broke the deadlock.

Moyale Barracks’ offside trap did not work as Phiri was found unmarked by Singa’s through ball to round off the keeper before slotting the ball into an empty net, 1-0.

The lead only lasted for some few minutes as the visitors levelled the scores in a dramatic fashion.

The hosts failed to clear a corner from the right flank of the field, allowing Chilembo to slot past defenceless Nkanda into the net, 1-1.

Tempos were high as yellow cards were flashed. Wizards’ biggest mistake was to concede too many free kicks just closer to their 18 yard box but were saved by Nkanda who made more than three saves from the set pieces.

However, the hosts’ luck did not last long as Moyale scored their winning goal.

A foul on Gwetsani forced the referee to award the visitors a free kick just 35 meters away from Wizards’ goalmouth.

Like a soldier, Muyaba stepped and released a thunderbolt past Nkanda before hitting the upright into the top corner, 2-1.

The home team almost pulled level moments later when Patrick Phiri was found unmarked in the 18 yard box and did everything right only to be denied by the woodwork and after 90 minutes of play, 2-1 it ended in favour of Moyale Barracks who will be hoping to collect another three points when they will be hosted by Azam Tigers at Kalulu Stadium on Sunday.

The win takes them second in the standings with 16 points from nine games.

As for Wizards, the defeat has seen them failing to leapfrog Wanderers at the top of the standings.

In other Super League matches, Raphael Phiri inspired Civil Sporting Club to a comfortable 4-2 victory over struggling Chitipa United.

Phiri was on song as he scored a hat trick to send his side on position 7 with 11 points from eight matches played so far.

As for Chitipa, their poor start to the season continued with another humiliating defeat which has seen them stuck in the relegation zone with 4 points from 10 games.