Civo coach rues missed  chances

New Civo United coach Milias Jegwe Pofera survived a scare after his side came from behind to cancel Kamuzu Barracks’ 2-0 lead at Civo Stadium on Saturday.

However, two goals in the closing stages of the match, helped Pofera’s charges rescue a point.

After a dull first half, Kamuzu Barracks struck in the 60th minute when a Harvey Nkacha free-kick, taken inches away from the 18 yard box, hit the crossbar and Francisco Kamzeka tapped in the rebound.

Sixteen minutes later, Kamuzu Barracks doubled their lead after midfielder Dave Banda’s low shot beat goalkeeper Duncan Mkandawire.

Civo pulled one back with five minutes remaining, Nelson Kangunje who had toiled fruitlessly throughout the game, was released in the box but goalkeeper Lemani Nthala managed to tame his  scorching shot. However, Gerald Nkungula sent the rebound home.

In the dying minutes, the Civil Servants won a free-kick which substitute Jelesi Lufeyo,  on loan from Nyasa Bullets,  curled into the box where Fletcher Bandawe nodded into the net to rescue a point.

Pofera said he was disappointed that Kangunje,  Nkungula and Dan Msimuko did not convert the first half chances.

“If we had converted those chances, we could surely have won this game,” he said.

The coach also had special praise for the impact of the new recruits Ian Chinyama, Lufeyo and Msimuko.

“Lufeyo created that second goal. I think he was fantastic despite the fact that he came from the bench.  Ian was also great, so was Msimuko in reading the game,” he said.

On his part, Kamuzu Barracks coach Billy Phambala said his troops found it difficult to cope with Civo’s late come back.

“It was a fair result though I believe we could have done better defensively to conserve our lead,” he said.