Ekhaya Youth surrendered a two-goal cushion to settle for a 2-2 draw against Griffin Youngsters in an FCB Blantyre District Football League fixture played on Thursday morning at Chilomoni Stadium.
Depay Banda struck twice inside the opening 11 minutes to put the Cowboys’ developmental side in control, but quickfire goals from Alex Malunga and Mike Kamanga restored parity for the home side before halftime.
How it Happened
As has been the case in recent weeks, our youngsters began the match with great intensity. Just seven minutes in, Depay Banda rose highest in the box to head home Chisomo Paika’s pinpoint corner, giving Ekhaya Youth an early advantage.
Four minutes later, Banda was at it again. Paika, hungry to get on the scoresheet himself, curled in a dangerous effort that the Griffin goalkeeper could only parry. The rebound fell kindly to Banda, who made no mistake from close range to double our lead.
Despite the early setback, Griffin Youngsters soon found their rhythm. In the 20th minute, a defensive lapse resulted in a penalty, which captain Malunga calmly converted to cut the deficit.
Barely four minutes later, the hosts were level. A lofted delivery into the area was met by Kamanga, who powered a header beyond our goalkeeper to make it 2-2.
The first half ended all square, with both sides bracing for a decisive second half.
After the break, Ekhaya Youth created several promising openings but were denied repeatedly by excellent goalkeeping from Griffin’s shot-stopper.
Frank Tembo came closest, forcing a fingertip save with a well-struck free kick, while other attempts from Banda and Paika were also kept out.
Coach Mphatso Chihami introduced fresh legs, in a tactical reshuffle, but despite the changes, the Cowboys could not find the decisive breakthrough.
The home side also made substitutions in an effort to turn the game around, but neither team managed to land the final blow.
What It Means
The result leaves Ekhaya Youth on 15 points from 8 games, holding onto third position in the standings. While the draw keeps them within touching distance of the top, it felt like a missed opportunity after such a bright start.
Coach’s Reaction
Speaking after the game, head coach Mphatso Chihami admitted his disappointment at letting a two-goal lead slip:
“It feels like a loss knowing we were 2-0 up and ended the tie 2-2. We let things slip in a very short period. We created the most chances in the second half but we were rushing things and could not decide the match.
What’s Next
Ekhaya Youth will be back in action on Sunday morning at Kamuzu Stadium, just hours before the senior Cowboys take on Mzuzu City Hammers in the TNM Super League of Malawi.
