DD Sunshine maintains grip on Pres title
DD Sunshine Senior came from a two-goal deficit during the Presidential Women Football national finals to earn a 4-2 triumph over Blantyre Zero and defend the title for the second time.
The finals were played at Chiwembe ground in Blantyre on Sunday.
Blantyre Zero comfortably led 2-0 within the first 10 minutes through Mphatso Chiwaula and Sheila Dimba who scored in the 8th and 10th minute respectively.The Lilongwe outfit to pull one back in the 15th minute through Tabitha Chawinga whereas Rose Gondwe equalised in the 25th minute.
But it was in the second-half that DD Sunshine turned the heat on their rivals. Six minutes into the second half, Linda Kasenda zoomed into the box and stroked the ball back for Rina Chipiri to drill DD Sunshine’s third goal before Chawinga scored the fourth goal in the 58th minute.
Sunshine’s trainer Shadreck Chikhosi attributed the victory to his players’ never-give-up attitude whereas his Blantyre Zero counterpart Abel Mkandawire blamed their loss on laxity after their two quick goals in the first-half.
“It feels great to be the national champions since 2010. We are confident that we will keep the trophy for many years to come,” said Chikhosi, whose team beat Blantyre Zero 2-0 and 1-0 in the 2010 and 2011 Presidential finals respectively.
DD Sunshine received K1.5 million and a trophy from guest of honour, Sports Council development officer Ruth Mzengo. The runners-up got K750 000 (about $3 000) while third-placed Chinyolo FC received K500 000 (about $2 000).
Blantyre Zero’s midfielder Emily Jossam was named best player of the tournament whereas Sunshine’s Kasenda was the top goalscorer, with seven goals. Each received a miniature and K30 000 (about $120).
