Ekhaya Youth suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Airsport in their Kaswiri Under-20 League encounter on Wednesday morning at the Chilomoni Stadium.
After a goalless first half, Airsport striker Kasimu Simba netted the decisive goal early in the second period to hand the visitors all three points.
What Happened
Playing their 15th match of the season, Ekhaya Youth started brightly, showing strong energy and intent, perhaps fired up by last weekend's win against the reigning champions.
Two minutes into the tie, they broke through the visitors’ defense but failed to capitalize on a golden chance.
The opening half was marked by intensity and several fouls, with over five free kicks awarded in just six minutes.
Despite both sides creating promising opportunities, neither managed to break the deadlock.
Airsport’s Gracium Kadzuwa was shown a yellow card in the 26th minute for a rough challenge, as tempers flared in the middle of the park.
The introduction of Miracle Kuntelera and Collings Pearson after the break injected fresh attacking energy, but a defensive lapse in the 48th minute allowed Simba to slot home the only goal of the match.
Ekhaya pushed hard for an equalizer, with late substitutions including Goodson Banda, Mphatso Julius, and Hastings Makwemba.
Their best chance came from a well-delivered corner by captain Silvester Kalulu, but Depay's Banda’s header flew just over the bar.
In the closing stages, our juniors hit an extra gear but a late equalizer was never to be. In Airspot's favour, 1-0 it finished.
What It Means
The defeat leaves Ekhaya Youth on 28 points from 15 games, holding onto second place, though now level on points with third-placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Youth, who have a game in hand.
Coach’s Reaction
“We never ticked in the first half, we tried to push and managed to create chances, though we couldn’t convert them into goals,” Coach Mphatso Chihami reflected after the match.
What’s Next
Ekhaya Youth have now completed the first round of the Kaswiri Under-20 League and will aim to bounce back stronger at the restart.
