By Lusekero Mhango
Karonga United on Sunday ended a three match losing run in the TNM Super League after holding third placed Silver Strikers to a 1 1 draw at Karonga Stadium, earning a valuable point in front of their home supporters.
The result came after a difficult spell for the hosts, who had suffered defeats to Ekhaya FC, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers without scoring, but showed renewed purpose and intensity to halt the slide against one of the league’s strongest sides.
“We were more like ourselves in the game and worked very hard for the result,” said Karonga United coach Oscar Kaunda.
Played before a sizeable and vocal crowd, the match started cautiously as both teams cancelled each other out in a tense first half with limited clear chances.
Karonga created the clearest opportunity of the opening period when Antony Mfune was sent through after a swift move from defence to attack, but Silver Strikers goalkeeper George Chikooka reacted quickly to deny him.
The game opened up after the break as both sides increased tempo and attacking intent in search of a decisive goal.
The home side nearly took the lead in the 48th minute when Godfrey Siwale broke clear after receiving a through ball from Allen Chihana, but his effort drifted wide with the goal at his mercy.
Karonga finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute when Alfred Chazinga met Mfune’s cross with a composed finish, ending the hosts’ three game goal drought and igniting celebrations in the stands.
The lead, however, lasted only nine minutes as Silver Strikers responded from a corner kick, with substitute Stenie Davie rising highest to head home the equaliser and secure a share of the points.
Silver Strikers assistant coach Mapopa Msukwa admitted his side struggled to impose themselves during the match.
“We were not at our best and found it difficult to play our usual game, so we are happy to escape with a point,” said Msukwa.
Despite the draw, Silver Strikers remain third on the league table with 57 points from 27 matches, maintaining their push for a strong finish to the season.
Karonga United stay sixth with 41 points from 28 games, level on points with fourth and fifth placed Blue Eagles and Civil Service United, and will take confidence from the performance as they look to build momentum in upcoming fixtures.
The result was welcomed by the home fans, who applauded the team’s fighting spirit after recent setbacks and expressed hope that the draw marks a turning point in Karonga United’s campaign.
