Moyale Barracks Rally to Beat Mafco in League Opener
In other opening day matches, Silver Strikers beat Chitipa United 2-0, Nyasa Big Bullets drew 1-1 with Dedza Dynamos, while newly-promoted Fomo edged Bangwe All Stars 1-0.
MZUZU, Malawi — A clinical Moyale Barracks came from behind to beat fellow military side Mafco Football Club 2-1 in a TNM Super League season opener played at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday, writes Victor Musongole.
Bernard Chimaimba opened the scoring by heading home a Dan Chimbalanga corner kick in the 36th minute after Mafco's impressive start to the first half.
But the tide turned in the final 20 minutes. Charles Nkhoma equalized for Moyale in the 75th minute before Raphael Phiri scored the winner, cleverly slotting past Mafco's goalkeeper Mikuwa after being set up by substitute Chifundo Dampa.
After the match, Moyale assistant coach Victor Chingoka praised his players while hinting at plans to bolster the goalkeeping department.
"It was a tough game. We told the boys not to give up, and after substitutions, we scored two and won," Chingoka said.
"We are not yet there; we will still push them to do better with this youthful players. We believe their work rate will match the demand. As for keepers, we will need to add two more to increase competition."
His counterpart, Stereo Gondwe of Mafco, blamed the officiating for contributing to his team's failure despite taking the lead.
"It was a good game. We scored, but two mistakes cost us. But you saw how referees handled the game; they showed bias," Gondwe said.
"You saw that free kick which our opponents equalized from, but the league has just started. We have hope we will do better."
Moyale's Charles Nkhoma was named player of the match for his exceptional performance.
In other opening day matches, Silver Strikers beat Chitipa United 2-0, Nyasa Big Bullets drew 1-1 with Dedza Dynamos, while newly-promoted Fomo edged Bangwe All Stars 1-0.