This was the most adventurous and exciting performance of Blantyre United’s season so far, a victory unlike many under Safarao Pompi and one that makes Premier Bet Wizards’ task of finishing in the top eight before the end of the first round very grim.
Mwai Kampezeni and Jide Mbandambanda scored in each half to inspire Blantyre United to a comfortable 2-nil victory of Wizards to move out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Wizards were coming from a 1-nil defeat to Mafco FC last week while their opponents were coming from a disappointing Northern Region outing where they only managed a point out of the possible six.
However, it was the home side that played with intent as Kampezeni made a simple finish from a rebound following a thunderous shot by Yusuf Luwanda which was at first saved by Francis Nkanda in goals for Wizards only to see the ball falling in the path of Kampezeni who made no mistake but to put the ball into the back of the net, 1-0.
Just minutes after conceding, the visitors almost pulled level when Misheck Botomani was set through by Simeon Singa but the former Ndirande Icons forward saw his shot well blocked by Blantyre United’s goalkeeper Duncan Mkandawire for a corner.
As the home side were pressing harder for more goals, they suffered a massive blow when forward Sparrow Msowoya was substituted following an injury just after the half hour mark.
Come second half, Wizards were the better side in the opening minutes as Botomani. Singa and Phiri played with intent but they lacked finishing composure in front of goals as the hosts’ defence stood firm to frustrate Trevor Kajawa’s men.
Kajawa had to bring in Tilekeleni Joseph for Peter Msowoya, with Jelesi Lufeyo also paving way as Wizards tried to snatch something out of the game.
Mbandambanda almost doubled his side’s lead when his thumping header from Ibrahim Sadiki’s cross was well saved by Nkanda who was very outstanding despite conceding the first goals.
However, Nkanda could not stop Mbandambanda from increasing his side’s tally when his shot outside the penalty box kissed the back of the net to send Chilomoni stadium into a frenzy, 2-0.
The victory takes Blantyre United to 13th position with eleven points, with Wizards occupying 5th position with 18 points from twelve games.
If they are to achieve survival this season, Blantyre United’s home form will be very instrumental.
In other matches, Masters Security and Chitipa United played out to a goalless draw at Dedza Stadium.
The result sees Masters Security dropping into the bottom three with 10 points from eleven games while Chitipa are still anchoring the table with 5 points from twelve league games.
my team blantyre utd keep it up