Ekhaya FC made a dream debut in the TNM Super League of Malawi with a disciplined and clinical 2-0 victory over Mighty Tigers on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium.
A lovely low curler from Lovemore Mbeta won the first half for The Cowboys and in some fashion Emmanuel Saviel sealed the win in stoppage time.
What happened
The league opener got off to a nervy start for the hosts, reminiscent of their previous encounter, as Stanley Billiati forced an early save from the Ekhaya goalkeeper with a well-struck free-kick in just the 5th minute.
Despite that scare, the visitors gradually grew into the game, gaining ground and earning a corner by the 13th minute. However, both sides struggled to assert dominance, with possession changing hands in short bursts and goalmouth action proving limited midway through the half.
In the 30th minute, Ekhaya came close to breaking the deadlock when Emmanuel Saviel curled a brilliant effort narrowly over the bar, much to the disappointment of fans who had already leapt off their seats in anticipation.
Both teams made early substitutions before halftime. Joseph Balakasi came on for James Zuze for Tigers, while Ekhaya replaced Vincent Salawira with Chimwemwe Yassin.
Mbeta breaks the deadlock
The breakthrough finally came shortly after that, just at the 40th minute. Lovemore Mbeta opened the scoring for Ekhaya with a stunning strike, finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Saviel, whose assist split the Tigers’ backline.
After the break, The Kau Kau Boys showed urgency in chasing the equalizer, but Ekhaya maintained their attacking edge.
Enos Chatama introduced Wongani Kaponya for Safton Chintokoma in the 57th minute to reinforce Ekhaya’s midfield, while Tigers responded with a double change of their own six minutes later, bringing on John Kamwendo and Christopher Majiya.
History weighs on Tigers
As the game entered its final stages, historical pressure seemed to mount on Tigers. For five consecutive seasons, they have lost to a newly promoted side, and Ekhaya appeared determined to extend that unfortunate trend.
In the 78th minute, Ekhaya made another tactical shift, reintroducing Mbeta and Yassin in place of James Lumbe and Joseph Saiwa.
With five minutes left on the clock, Ekhaya remained resolute, defending their narrow lead as Tigers pushed for a late equalizer. But the hosts were not done yet.
Sealed in style as Saviel strikes late
In stoppage time, Emmanuel Saviel finally got his goal, sealing the victory. After Lumbe released Kaponya down the flank with a slick pass, the substitute delivered a precise ball across goal for Saviel, who made no mistake from close range.
In the end, a composed and strategic performance from Ekhaya FC ensured all three points, while Mighty Tigers are left still searching for answers against promoted sides. 2-0 it ended.
Coach Enos Chatama post Tigers
“It was a difficult match considering we met Tigers just two weeks ago. We knew it would be a tough game. We dominated the first half and when they made changes they were in control. I told the boys to calm down and look to pounce on counter attack and fast play. The boys followed instructions and we got a goal late in the tie. All in all it was not an easy game.”
Looking ahead
Another home match follows for us in the league as we welcome Civil United next weekend as we hope to start strongly in our debut season.
