Ekhaya Youth continued their impressive run in the FCB Katswiri U19 Football League on Saturday morning, edging Agumbala FC 1–0 at Mpira Stadium to extend their unbeaten streak to 13 matches.
The victory takes the Young Cowboys to 33 points, further cementing their position at the summit of the FCB Katswiri U19 Football League.
It was a closely contested encounter from the opening whistle, with both sides showing confidence and intent as they battled for control of the game. It was Ekhaya who started brightly and created an opening in the 16th minute, but the attempt went straight into the hands of the goalie. James Kamanga then came close to breaking the deadlock, only for his effort to be denied by another timely save from the visitors’ goalkeeper.
The intensity continued to build as both teams searched for the breakthrough, while the defensive lines remained firm. Razack John was booked as the physical battle in midfield began to intensify.
Despite the chances created at both ends, neither side could find the decisive touch before the interval, sending the teams into the break level at 0–0.
Coach Mphatso Chihami responded at the start of the second half with a triple substitution, introducing Depay Banda, Francis Chisambi and Chisomo Paika for Razack John, Collins Pearson and Mphatso Julius.
The changes immediately injected fresh energy into the Young Cowboys, who continued to push forward in search of the opening goal.
Their persistence finally paid off shortly after the restart.
Kamanga produced the moment Ekhaya had been waiting for, taking things into his own hand with a fierce strike from range to find the back of the net, giving the Young Cowboys a 1–0 lead. This was the moment that kept our push at the top of the FCB Katswiri U19 standings firmly on course.
To secure the lead Ekhaya made another change later in the half, with James Kimu coming on for McDonald Banda. However, the closing stages brought another twist when Kamanga was shown a red card, leaving the Young Cowboys to negotiate the final phase of the contest with 10 men.
The numerical disadvantage made the closing minutes even more demanding, but Ekhaya remained disciplined enough to protect their narrow advantage.
When the final whistle arrived, the Young Cowboys had done enough to secure another three points, recording a 1–0 victory over Agumbala FC.
The result stretches Ekhaya Youth’s unbeaten run to 13 matches and takes their league tally to 33 points, strengthening their grip on top spot.
Speaking after the match, Coach Mphatso Chihami acknowledged the importance of the result while admitting that the performance fell short of the standards he expects from his side.
“We won, but it was not an interesting win. I will make sure I put the team in good form.”
The Young Cowboys will now turn their attention to the next challenge as they look to maintain their momentum at the summit and extend their remarkable unbeaten run.
XI
Ekhaya Youth: Albert Lupiya; Madalitso Singini, Andrew Wisiki, McDonald Bonongwe, McDonald Banda, James Kamanga, Andrew Khombe, Vincent Thomson, Razack John, Collins Pearson, Mphatso Julius.
