In a tightly contested reunion clash, Ekhaya FC head coach Enos Chatama voiced strong criticism of referee Michael Mwambyale following his team’s 1-0 loss to log leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday.
Chatama, facing his former employers for the first time since leaving Bullets Reserve earlier this season, claimed that a questionable freekick decision cost his side a valuable point.
“If we can go back to video replay, it was a dubious freekick,” Chatama fumed post-match. “Those are the moments that change games.”
Despite managing only one shot on target in the entire match, Ekhaya’s defensive organization kept Bullets at bay for long spells, particularly in the first half.
However, the deadlock was broken in the 58th minute when Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju nodded home a Henry Chiwaya freekick — a decision that sparked controversy from the home bench.
“Bullets played well, but they didn’t pose real danger,” Chatama argued. “That freekick was a gift. There was no contact leading to it, in my opinion. We need proper officiating to create a fair environment for both sides.”
The match carried emotional weight as several members of the Ekhaya technical staff, including Chatama and his assistant Fundi Akidu, previously served in the Bullets Reserve setup.
The result leaves Ekhaya third on the table with 20 points from 11 matches, while Bullets extended their lead at the summit with 27 points from 10 games.
Chatama admitted that his side lacked intensity in the second half, especially after the injury to their captain forced tactical adjustments.
“In the first half, we executed our plan well — closed the spaces and kept them far from goal. But after the injury, we lost balance, and our pressing was not coordinated. That gave them openings,” he reflected.
Despite his frustration with the referee, Chatama acknowledged that Ekhaya are still in the early stages of building a competitive squad.
“We’re a new team. This is just our 11th game in the top flight. A draw would have been a great result against a team like Bullets, who are a full project. We’re also building — with time, we’ll get better,” he said.
While Chatama condemned the freekick decision that led to the goal, it was not the only officiating moment under scrutiny. In the first half, Ekhaya goalkeeper Elias Missi appeared to clash aggressively with Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju inside the penalty area. Surprisingly, referee Mwambyale took no disciplinary action — a decision that also drew raised eyebrows from the visiting team.
Despite the loss, Chatama remains optimistic about Ekhaya’s long-term future in Malawi’s top tier.
“We’re lacking some quality in midfield and attack, but we’re going to sign and build. I believe in two years, Ekhaya will be a serious force. For now, we go back to the drawing board. It’s still a long season,” he concluded.
