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Ekhaya FC signed off the first round of the TNM Super League in style with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mafco FC at the Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A second-half strike from Clever Chikwata sealed all three points for The Cowboys in a tense encounter.
What happened
The opening exchanges were cagey, with both sides cautious in possession. Mafco produced the first real scare in the 15th minute when Prince Kachere’s free header was expertly kept out by the Ekhaya goalkeeper Amos Sande.
Ekhaya began to grow into the game, forcing a save and winning a corner in the 23rd minute as they tested the visitors’ defensive resolve.
A golden chance came in the 40th minute when The Cowboys were awarded a penalty, but the captain’s spot-kick was saved, keeping the scoreline level until
halftime. The two teams returned for the second half with us making two substitutions at the break, introducing Matamando Mwatchipisa and Lovemore Mbeta for Vincent Salawira and Safton Chintokoma.
The changes injected fresh energy, and the hosts began to push harder for an opener.
The breakthrough came in the 68th minute. A precise pass from Hermas Masinja found Chikwata inside the box.
With a sharp turn and a composed left-footed finish, he slotted the ball low into the net to put Ekhaya ahead.
Mafco responded with periods of possession, but Ekhaya managed the game well, making a late substitution in stoppage time, Joseph Saiwa replacing Mbeta, to see out the win.
What It Means
The result lifts Ekhaya FC to fourth place in the league standings with 26 points from 15 matches:
• Wins: 8
• Draws: 2
• Losses: 5
• Goals Scored: 16
• Goals Conceded: 9
Player of the Match
Youngster Lumbe once again showcased his growing influence, delivering a performance full of energy and quality. His display earned him the Player of the Match award from both Union Building Contractors and the TNM Super League of Malawi.
Next Fixture
The Cowboys will quickly shift focus to the FDH Bank Cup, where they are set to face Moyale Barracks FC next weekend.
