By Lusekero Mhango
Patrick Phiri scored the lone goal as Karonga United ended a five-game winless run by defeating Creck Sporting Club 1-0 at Karonga Stadium Saturday.
Phiri struck from the penalty spot in the 84th minute after Creck Sporting Club defender Miracle Gabeya was red-carded for bringing down Karonga United captain Allen Chihana
The match played in front of a sizable crowd at the Karonga Stadium saw the home side have much better of the encounter despite wasting numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Jackson Beza had the visitors’ best chance in the first half, as he saw his shot brilliantly tipped over the bar by Maclean Mwale.
Despite Karonga United dominating the first half, Allen Chihana and Benjamin Mapunda all had shots go narrowly wide.
In the second half, Karonga United continued to dominate the game but lacked a cutting edge in front.
Kondwani Chilembwe nearly made Karonga United pay for their wastefulness in front of goal as he saw his 20-yard shot come crashing off the post, as the visitors almost took a surprise lead against the run of play.
However, Phiri, who was named Karonga United’s Player of the Month for June, shot with great composure from 12 yards to give the Ingwinas a vital three points.
In the post-match interview, Karonga United coach Oscar Kaunda expressed delight in his side’s performance in ending the winless run.
“I thought we dominated the encounter from start to finish, and we always believed a goal was coming with our display,” he said.
Creck Sporting Club coach Eliya Kananji acknowledged that his side was not at its best but bemoaned the officiation in the match.
“We didn’t play well, but we were solid at the back till the awarding of the penalty, which was not a foul,” he said.
The win puts Karonga United 6th with 20 points from 13 games, while Creck Sporting Club drops to 9th with 18 points from 14 matches.
