By Lusekero Mhango
Karonga United returned to winning ways in the TNM Super League after beating Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 3-1 in a hard-fought encounter at a sunlit Karonga Stadium on Wednesday.
The hosts who came into the match under pressure following back-to-back away defeats to Kamuzu Barracks and Creck Sporting Club, responded with a determined performance that delivered all three points.
A brace from the lively Allen Chihana and a late strike from substitute Robert Luhanga secured the victory, while Dedza’s goal came from in-form forward Luke Chima.
Backed by the home crowd, Karonga broke the deadlock in the 40th minute after a cautious opening spell.
Chihana, returning to the starting lineup after injury, received a pass from Patrick Phiri then created space on the edge of the box before drilling a 20-yard effort into the bottom corner, past the outstretched Donnex Mwakasinga.
The visitors, who arrived on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 win over relegated Songwe Border United at the same venue, found a lifeline five minutes into the second half.
Referee Mercy Kayira pointed to the spot after Edward Dakalira was brought down in the area, and Chima stepped up to convert confidently his fourth goal in two games, following his recent hat-trick against Songwe.
But their celebration was short-lived as just three minutes later, Karonga restored their lead as Chihana reacted quickest in a goalmouth scramble to poke home his second of the afternoon.
With Dedza pushing forward in search of an equaliser, the Crocodiles of Karonga struck again in the 89th minute, as substitute Luhanga reacted sharply to a rebound after Chihana’s effort was parried into his path.
In a post-match interview, Karonga United assistant coach Christopher Chimkwita praised his players response to the recent defeats.
“The performance reflected the team’s usual attacking identity as we looked dangerous every time we attacked and the victory was much deserved,” he said.
Dedza Dynamos coach, Alex Ngwira, however, expressed frustration with his boys’ defensive display.
“We made a lot of errors at the back with all the goals and missed presentable chances in key moments of the game when we were on top,” Ngwira said.
The victory lifts Karonga United to fourth place on 40 points from 24 matches, while Dedza Dynamos remain 12th on 27 points from 26 games.
