Blue Eagles FC moved up to third in the TNM Super League standings with a hard-fought 2-1 win over 10-man MAFCO FC on Saturday.
The match saw both sides create early chances, with MAFCO’s Auspicious Kadzongola firing just wide in the sixth minute. Eagles responded soon after, but MAFCO goalkeeper Noel Phiri was equal to the task, denying Laurent and Trouble Banda in quick succession.
The hosts dominated the first half and finally broke through in the 44th minute. Levison Mnyenyembe slotted home after MAFCO’s Paul Ndhlovu failed to deal with a cross from Micium Mhone.
MAFCO equalised just three minutes after the break through Chifundo Molosoni, who calmly finished from a long throw-in. Molosoni almost doubled his tally minutes later, but his powerful strike hit the crossbar.
Blue Eagles regained control in the latter stages, and substitute Bennet Konyo produced a moment of brilliance in the 78th minute. After a solo run, he combined with Lankeni Mwale and finished the move to restore the lead.
MAFCO’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in stoppage time when Peter Kasonga received a straight red card for violent conduct.
The win lifts Blue Eagles to third place with 16 points from nine games. MAFCO drop to 14th with seven points.
“It was a tough game,” said Blue Eagles coach Declerk Msakakuona. “We kept pushing and were rewarded in the end.”
MAFCO’s coach Sterio Gondwe voiced frustration: “We played well and had our chances. But decisions went against us. It’s disappointing.”
Elsewhere, Chitipa United edged Kamuzu Barracks 1-0 at Karonga Stadium thanks to a Marley Kasongo goal. The win moves Chitipa to 12th with 9 points, while Kamuzu Barracks drop to 10th on 11 points.
