Moyale Soars, Avoids Relegation After Thrashing Red Lions
In other games, league leaders Nyasa Big Bullets were held 1-1 by Silver Strikers, while Civil Service beat Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 1-0.
MZUZU, Malawi- In an impressive display, Moyale Barracks survived narrowly in the Tnm Super League by defeating Red Lions 7-0 at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday, writes Victor Musongole.
Red Lions started slowly but held on until the 35th minute when one of their defenders handled the ball after blocking a shot from Gastin Simkonda.
Raphael Phiri converted the penalty to give the home team a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The second half proved disastrous for the Reds as Moyale's captain Gastin Simkonda registered his first goal at 60 minutes after a good display from George Nyirenda.
A minute later, a miscommunication between goalkeeper Precious Mitolo, who had replaced the injured Juwaya, and his defenders gifted Raphael Phiri a goal.
Phiri squared the ball to Simkonda to score his second.
George Nyirenda's skillful free kick from the right side went past the mispositioned Mitolo into the net.
More misery continued for the relegated side as another handball in the box allowed Simkonda to complete his hat trick at 72 minutes.
Ten minutes later, Phiri’s powerful left-footed drive exposed Mitolo's weakness to extend the lead to 6-0.
Just when it seemed the scoring was done, Simkonda hammered home the final goal in the closing seconds to end it 7-0.
"We were not good enough in the first half but made several subs and the tempo changed - that's why you saw those goals," said Moyale coach Victor Chingoka. "I'm delighted we have survived."
Red Lions assistant coach Malumbo Mkandawire admitted defeat, attributing it to his players' poor fitness while ruling out match-fixing.
George Nyirenda was named Player of the Match for his standout performance. The result allows Moyale to tie on points with Blue Eagles but survive relegation on goal difference.
In other games, league leaders Nyasa Big Bullets were held 1-1 by Silver Strikers, while Civil Service beat Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 1-0.