Escom remain bottom

One year has proved to be too long a time in football, turning TNM Super League championship contenders Escom United into relegation candidates.

It might be too early to prophesy doom for the Electricians, but their 3-3 draw with Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium leaves the Charles Manda side at the bottom on seven points from nine games.

“I believe we will find our way back to the top of the table,” Manda said in a post-match interview. “We just need a win or two to get our confidence back; otherwise, I am encouraged by how our young team is improving.”

Second from the bottom are cup specialists Moyale Barracks, who are preparing for the Presidential Cup final against Big Bullets, yet their league form is, to say the least, indifferent.

Up the table, Silver’s poor record on the road continued as they returned to Lilongwe with a point from possible six after falling 2-1 to Red Lions on Sunday. Silver clung to the top on 22 points, courtesy of a superior aggregate from Civo United, who also have 22 points.

After a goalless draw with Kabwafu FC on Saturday, defender John Lanjesi’s lone goal earned Civo a 1-0 win over Moyale Barracks. Lying third are the Lions on 21 points after the win courtesy of Daniel Katunga and Boniface Kaulesi’s strikes in Zomba.

A fourth consecutive defeat, three of which are in the league, have Mighty Wanderers slumping to ninth place on 17 points after a 3-2 defeat by Blantyre United. Dalitso Sailesi’s brace and Tizgowere Kumwenda’s goal had Blantyre leading 3-0 at half-time.

Nafe Msasa and Gerald Chimbaka reduced the margin, but it was too little and too late at Kamuzu Stadium.

There was little joy for Wanderers rivals, Big Bullets who could only manage a point in Lilongwe. The People’s Team’s 2-0 punishment by Charles Ngosi-inspired Blue Eagles was followed by a 1-1 draw with Epac FC in an ill-tempered match. Diverson Mlozi plucked Bullets from the jaws of defeat after Ishmael Thindwa had put Epac ahead.

It was Thindwa’s second goal this season.