Ekhaya Youth missed a golden chance to climb to the summit of the FCB-Katswiri U20 Youth League after falling 1–0 to leaders Mighty Wanderers Youth in a tightly contested top-of-the-table encounter at Kamuzu Stadium.
An early strike from Amin Yusuf proved decisive, as the junior Nomads held firm to maintain their grip on first place.
How It Happened
It was a shaky start for the Little Cowboys, who allowed Wanderers to dictate the tempo early on.
Just five minutes in, a slick exchange of passes carved open the defence, leaving Yusuf with the simplest of finishes to put the hosts ahead.
Ekhaya Youth, however, responded strongly. They began to settle into rhythm, creating a string of opportunities.
The best of the lot fell to Chisomo Paika midway through the first half, but he failed to hit the target from close range while unmarked.
Despite sustained pressure, the equaliser proved elusive as the Nomads carried their lead into halftime.
The second half brought end-to-end action. Both sides made attacking changes, and Wanderers nearly doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute when Yusuf again found himself in a dangerous position, only to send his effort over the bar.
Ekhaya Youth pressed hard late on, winning set pieces and pushing bodies forward, but time ran out before they could break through. At the final whistle, it finished 1–0, condemning the youngsters to just their second defeat of the campaign.
What It Means
The defeat leaves Ekhaya Youth on 22 points from 12 matches, and now displaced from second spot by FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who hold the same tally but boast a superior goal difference. Mighty Wanderers Youth, meanwhile, extend their lead at the top with a five point gap.
What thr coach said
Coach Mphatso Chihami admitted his side must sharpen up in the attacking third:
“It’s not a good result. We were able to get the ball to the other end but we are rushing things. We have not scored in two games, and it’s a concern now.”
What’s Next
The Little Cowboys have an immediate chance to bounce back in a crucial fixture next weekend, when they host FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Youth in a clash that could reignite their title charge.
