Ekhaya Reserve extended their unbeaten run in the ThumbsUp Southern Region Football League after playing out a goalless draw against The Boys FC in a tense encounter at Chilomon Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
What happened
The match was evenly contested from the opening stages, with both sides creating chances but lacking the cutting edge to break the deadlock.
Looking pretty much at home, The Boys FC applied early pressure, keeping Ekhaya Reserve’s defence in full concetration.
On the break, Ekhaya Reserve responded with a promising effort but were denied by the keeper for the hosts.
The physical nature of the contest saw the referee issue several yellow cards. Samson Zakeyu and Fatsani Juwawo were booked for Ekhaya Reserve, while Chimwemwe Moses was cautioned for Boys FC.
At the start of the second half, Ekhaya Reserve made two tactical changes, introducing Yusuf Namtunga and Christopher Chulu in search of fresh energy.
Despite the double change, both sides continued to push forward, but clear chances were limited. Ekhaya Reserves came closest late on when Samson Zakeyu tried his luck from range, only to see his effort narrowly miss the target.
In the end, there was nothing go seperate the two sides as it finished goalless.
What it means
Despite the draw, Ekhaya Reserve remain top of the Thumbs Up League table with 56 points from 28 matches. Their superior goal difference ensures they stay at the summit with Chilobwe United coming in second place the standings with the same number of points.
What the coach said
The Ekhaya Reserve head coach Edmond Mapulanga praised his side’s organisation, noting that staying top of the table is a reflection of the team’s collective effort throughout the season.
"It goes down to how you manage the game when you play these team at such a venue. It was tough and we managed to get a point and stay top. To be where we are it shows what a team we are."
He emphasized the importance of remaining focused, improving in the final third, and continuing to show discipline as the title race intensifies with two games to go.
What’s next
Ekhaya Reserves will now turn their attention to their next ThumbsUp Southern Football League fixture, where they will look to build on this result as they are set to return to Chilomoni Stadium to play Immogration next Sunday afternoon.
