Ekhaya FC climbed to fifth position in the FDH Bank Premiership after securing a 2-1 victory over Blue Eagles at Mpira Stadium on Friday, recording their first-ever win over the Eagles.
John Mchema was the hero of the afternoon, scoring twice on his second appearance for the Cowboys to inspire the hosts to a memorable three points. The forward opened the scoring in the first half, marking his return to the side in style as Ekhaya took a deserved advantage into the break.
Blue Eagles, however, responded after the restart, with Pius Saka finding the equaliser to put the visitors back in contention and set up a tense finish at Mpira Stadium.
With the game hanging in the balance, Mchema stepped forward once again to restore the Cowboys’ lead. The striker broke through the Blue Eagles defence before producing a determined finish while falling, completing his brace and sending the home supporters into celebration.
Mchema came close to making it a hat-trick, narrowly missing the target by a whisker in a chance that could have put the result beyond doubt. Nevertheless, his two goals proved decisive as Ekhaya held firm to secure a historic victory.
The result not only ends Ekhaya’s wait for a first-ever win over Blue Eagles but also propels the Cowboys from seventh to fifth on the league table, taking their tally to 25 points from 18 matches.
Head coach Fundi Akidu praised his players for executing their game plan and rising to the challenge against one of the league’s in-form sides.
“Blue Eagles is one team that is performing better in the league right now, so getting maximum points against a team we have never defeated is an achievement for us,” he said.
For Mchema, the brace made an already special occasion even more memorable. The forward described the encounter as a difficult one, highlighting the significance of scoring twice in a victory that made history for the club.
“Supporters should expect a lot from me and my fellow players. We are going to do whatever it takes to help Ekhaya get maximum points,” he said.
The Cowboys will now turn their attention to their next fixture against MAFCO FC at Chitowe Stadium, looking to build on this landmark result and maintain their upward momentum in the FDH Bank Premiership.
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