By Lusekero Mhango
Godfrey Sibale scored a dramatic 90th-minute header as Karonga United secured a 1-0 victory over Red Lions in the FDH Bank Premiership encounter played at Karonga Stadium on Sunday.
The win was Karonga’s first home win of the season, following a draw against Mafco FC and a defeat to Masters FC, while for the newly promoted Zomba-based side, the loss ended an unbeaten start to their top-flight return, having won two and drawn three of their first five matches.
The Ingwinas of Karonga dominated proceedings in front of a sizeable crowd but wasted several opportunities, with Kennedy Mwakabaghe, Lennox Kiwambe and Walusungu Gondwe all guilty of missing chances in the first half.
The home side’s wastefulness in front of goal was nearly punished in the 87th minute but goalkeeper Eddie Jamu produced a stunning save to deny Shukuran Mussa, who had been played clean through on goal.
That intervention proved decisive as, three minutes later, Sibale rose highest to head home a pinpoint right-wing cross from captain Pilirani Thulu to spark jubilant scenes among the home supporters.
Karonga coach Audro Makonyola hailed his side’s persistence in hunting for a goal despite missing a number of goal-scoring opportunities.
“We were superb today and a draw would have been hard to take, but my players never gave up in pushing for a goal and we were finally rewarded for our efforts,” he said.
However, Red Lions coach Malumbo Mkandawire, lamented the officiating in the encounter.
“The referees were against us today from the start of the game. We never got any decisions go our way. We defended well and should have at least taken a point,” a frustrated Mkandawire said.
With the win Karonga United move up to 8th on the league standings with 8 points from 6 games, while Red Lions drop to 7th with 9 points to their name from the same number of matches.
