Ekhaya FC claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Songwe Border in a spirited TNM Super League encounter on the road at Karonga Stadium.
Through Dickson Mwangonde, the hosts scored early The Cowboys responded quickly through Christopher Gototo before Stanley Billiati won it for us.
Early goals light up first half
The match began at a frenetic pace, with the hosts drawing first blood in the 5th minute. Dickson Mwangonde rose highest to nod home a well-delivered cross from the right flank, giving Songwe Border a dream start.
However, Ekhaya FC responded positively, and just eight minutes later, they found the equalizer. Stanley Billiat's free-kick rattled the post and rebounded kindly for Christopher Gototo, who made no mistake in tucking it away for 1-1.
The game remained open, with both sides throwing caution to the wind. In the 40th minute, Songwe nearly regained the lead when Mwangonde hit the post again, but the scoreline remained level going into the break.
Tactical change spark Ekhaya’s wind
Ekhaya emerged from halftime with renewed purpose. A double substitution in the 55th minute—bringing on Wongani Kaponya and James Lumbe—shifted the momentum. Kaponya, in particular, injected chaos down the left wing and came close to scoring, only to be denied by the keeper.
The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Hadji James sliced through the defense with a sublime through ball to Stanley Billiat, who coolly slotted home to give Ekhaya the lead.
Looking to preserve the advantage, Ekhaya made another double substitution in the 75th minute, introducing Matamando Mwatchipisa and Emmanuel Saviel for Clever Chikwata and Billiat. The changes stabilized the team, and right-back Andrew Lameck nearly extended the lead with two golden opportunities.
Holding the line
As the clock wound down, the hosts resorted to long balls into the box in search of an equalizer, but Ekhaya remained composed in the air and resolute in defense.
A gritty and determined performance saw The Cowboys hold firm to secure all three points, bouncing back impressively from their previous defeat.
What it means
The win means that The Cowboys are now on 7 points after four matches from which they have recorded three wins and one defeat.
Coach Enos Chatama post Songwe Boarder United
“ It was a tough game considering that we lost last Monday. The boys wanted to win at all cost. We never played better the first 25 minutes, we were panicking. We conceded early but got reorganized completed the comeback.”
Looking ahead
The Cowboys will look to build on todays win when they face Kamuzu Barracks who await to host us at the Champion Stadium in Mponela.
