Ekhaya FC climbed back to seventh place in the FDH Bank Premiership standings after holding Red Lions FC to a goalless draw at Zomba Stadium on Sunday, with The Cowboys unable to turn their attacking efforts into the goals needed to claim maximum points.

Debutant John Mchema was among the bright spots for Ekhaya, showing promise in attack and testing the hosts with attempts on target. However, Red Lions stood firm defensively, denying the forward a dream start to his Ekhaya career and ensuring that the visitors had no reward for their efforts in front of goal.

The opening half saw both sides struggle to find a decisive breakthrough, with neither able to convert their opportunities before the interval. Ekhaya returned for the second half determined to change the scoreline, and head coach Fundi Akidu responded by introducing Blessings Malinda and Alick Lungu in search of greater attacking impetus.

As the contest wore on without a goal, Akidu turned to John Banda and Sholigah Stambuli, hoping the fresh legs would help The Cowboys find the opening they needed. Ekhaya continued to push, but Red Lions remained difficult to break down, forcing the visitors to search for alternative ways to unlock their defence.

 

The Cowboys came closest to breaking the deadlock from a free kick six minutes before the end of regulation time. It was a promising opportunity to snatch the lead late in the contest, but Ekhaya could not capitalise, leaving the game finely poised as the final minutes approached.

Red Lions then threatened to punish the visitors in added time, putting Ekhaya under pressure when the hosts looked to find a late winner. Goalkeeper Clever Mkungula responded with a crucial save to keep the scores level, although the incident came at a cost as he sustained an injury and was replaced by Joshua Waka.

The late scare ensured Ekhaya had to remain alert until the final whistle, with the visitors ultimately taking a point from their trip to Zomba. The result lifted The Cowboys back to seventh place as they continued their FDH Bank Premiership campaign.

AKIDU ACKNOWLEDGES TOUGH AWAY TEST

Reflecting on the encounter, Ekhaya head coach Fundi Akidu acknowledged that Red Lions had provided a difficult test and admitted that his side had not created enough clear-cut chances to secure victory.

“We need to accept that the home team gave us a good game, and we did not create many chances. That is why we did not score,” he said.

Akidu’s assessment pointed to the main challenge facing Ekhaya on the afternoon: despite their efforts to find a breakthrough, the team lacked the opportunities needed to turn the contest in their favour.

Nevertheless, the coach also had positives to take from the match, particularly the introduction of debutants Mchema and Joseph Saliwa. Both players were handed their first appearances for The Cowboys amid injuries and suspensions within the squad.

Akidu praised the pair for earning their opportunities through their performances in training, highlighting their readiness to step up when called upon. Their involvement also offered Ekhaya additional options as the team navigated a demanding league campaign.

MCHEMA TAKES POSITIVES FROM DEBUT

For Mchema, the trip to Zomba marked an important milestone as he made his debut for Ekhaya. Although he could not mark the occasion with a goal, his efforts in attack provided encouragement as he began his journey with The Cowboys.

The forward expressed satisfaction with his individual performance despite the result and voiced confidence in the team’s prospects going forward.

He also reserved appreciation for the supporters who turned up in large numbers to cheer on Ekhaya, recognising their commitment to following the team on the road. Mchema urged them to continue offering their support as The Cowboys work towards better results in their upcoming fixtures.

The draw leaves Ekhaya back in seventh place in the FDH Bank Premiership standings, providing a platform to build on as they prepare for their next league assignment.

With the search for an away victory continuing, The Cowboys will look to improve their attacking output and make their chances count when they return to action.