Ekhaya Reserves sealed a top-of-the-table finish in the first round of the Finca Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Division One League following a goalless draw against QPL All Stars at Kamuzu Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
What happened
The young Cowboys made a bright start, creating their first clear opportunity within the opening five minutes. However, as the match progressed, QPL All Stars grew into the contest, with Ekhaya enjoying possession but struggling to find penetration in the final third.
With nine minutes remaining before the break, Ekhaya came close to breaking the deadlock when a curling delivery picked out a free header inside the box, but the effort drifted wide.
Ekhaya continued to control proceedings, dominating possession and forcing a series of corner kicks, yet the breakthrough remained elusive. The visitors also threatened briefly, firing a rebound effort off target as both sides went into the break level.
After the restart, Ekhaya introduced jersey number 75 in a tactical switch, with the substitute later receiving the only yellow card of the match.
Just after the hour mark, Ekhaya tested the goalkeeper with a long-range strike, which was punched away for a corner. A poorly executed set-piece allowed QPL to launch a counter-attack, but Ekhaya’s goalkeeper produced a crucial save at the other end.
Head coach Russell Mwafulirwa turned to his bench again in search of a winner as the young Cowboys maintained their grip on possession. The closest moment arrived in the 85th minute when a powerful long-range effort struck the post. The rebound was blocked by a defender, leading to consecutive corners, but Ekhaya could not capitalize.
With neither side able to find the net, the referee brought proceedings to an end with the scores level.
What it means
The result confirms Ekhaya Reserves as first-round leaders of the SRFA Division One League, with 34 points from 15 matches (11 wins, three losses, one draw).
What follows
Ekhaya Reserves now head into the mid-season break, where the technical panel is expected to review performances, address key areas, and prepare for the second round.
The young Cowboys, who boast the highest number of players in the current Malawi Under-20 squad, will look to return in strong shape as they continue their push at the top.
