Karonga registers first win at Mzuzu Stadium
Jubilation engulfed Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday when Northern Region football side Karonga United registered their first win against Mighty Wanderers. They won 2-1 in the second-round of the TNM Super League.
The win over Nomads means a lot to the Karonga side as they are now moving away from the edges of the relegation zone. The team has 13 points from
19 games played so far, but still anchor the log table.
Wanderers failed to collect maximum six points during the trip to the North and instead collected a point as it was held to a goalless draw by Moyale Barracks in a Saturday affair.
Karonga’s win over Nomads was recorded under new coach Isaac Msowoya.
“As stated earlier, we have a good team, what was lacking was the killer punch upfront. During my stay, I have worked on that and today’s win justifies my claim. We played well and utilised our chances. I am sure that if we sustain such performance, we will remain in the Super League group,” said Msowoya.
Karonga outplayed Wanderers in the entire first-half despite the Nomads’ lead in the 18th minute from a well-taken free kick by Jacob Ngwira that caught Karonga goalkeeper Happy Msowoya off guard.
Wanderers welcomed pressure from Karonga after embarking on defensive play after their lead; this provided room for Karonga to regain their confidence.
The Karonga team pushed the ball upfront only Karonga marksman left-winger Green Msowoya to equalise in the 23rd minute having received a pass from midfielder Matthias Nyirenda.
Wanderers maintained their defensive strategy putting four defenders, but they were let down by frontman Luka Milanzi, who on several instances shot-off target.
Nomads defenders manned by Bongani Kayipa, Stuward Gerald, Enock Likoswe and Kondwani Kumwenda left Green Msowoya to add another goal for Karonga making it 2-1.
Wanderer’s coach Gerald Phiri said the defeat comes after his side resorted to defensive type of play.
“We made life difficult today deliberately because we resorted to defending instead of keeping on attacking, this has cost us a lot,” said Phiri.
