Ekhaya FC suffered a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Mzuzu City Hammers in the TNM Super League on Sunday afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium, despite dominating large spells of the match.
Moses Gwayi and Wakisa Mwakifuna scored in each half, before substitute Clever Chikwata pulled one back
How It Happened
The Cowboys started brightly, enjoying much of the ball in the opening stages. Alick Lungu came close to unlocking the visitors’ defence with a terrific run down the left before cutting a dangerous ball into the box, but no teammate was on hand to finish.
After sustained possession, it was the visitors who struck first. A shaky defensive clearance in the 30th minute allowed Moses Gwayi to find space and slot home, giving the Hammers a 1-0 lead.
At halftime, Ekhaya made changes, introducing Blessings Malinda and Clever Chikwata for Samuel Rukura and Matamando Mwatchipisa. The adjustments gave the Cowboys attacking impetus, with wave after wave of pressure on the visitors’ goal.
However, the Hammers doubled their advantage in the second half. Another failure to deal with an inswinging ball into the box was punished by Wakisa Mwakifuna, who reacted quickest to make it 2-0.
The Cowboys kept pushing and were rewarded late in the game when Clever Chikwata headed home from a Hermus Masinja corner. Unfortunately, time was against the hosts, and the match ended 2-1 in favour of Mzuzu City Hammers.
What It Means
The defeat sees Ekhaya FC drop to 5th place with 26 points from 16 matches, overtaken by Karonga United.
From the Dugout
Coach Enos Chatama admitted disappointment but urged his charges to remain focused as the season enters a crucial phase.
"First of all, mental strength and attitude killed us today. The boys came into the game alread winners.
We told the it was a very difficult game, it was a psychological battle. We're playing a team which are almost relegated, we have to fight from first to the last whistle. They thought it will be a straw in the park. Came the game we conceded give-away goals.
After the first goal, we told them to fight hard. We never moved the ball very well from defense to midfield. There were a lot of misplaced passes in midfield and due to that we conceded the second goal.
We came stronger in the last fifteen minutes but it was too little too late. It's a lesson learnt , we have to accept we have lost the game. We have to go back and iron out the mistakes and look forward to the future."
What’s Next
No time to dwell , The Cowboys travel to Lilongwe next weekend to face Civil Service United in another tough league encounter.
