By Vinjeru Ngwira
Mighty Tigers secured their third victory of the season in the NBS Bank National Division League after edging Bangwe All Stars FC 2-1 at Mpira Stadium, collecting maximum points in a hard-fought encounter.
The Kau Kau Boys drew first blood in the 15th minute when Bangwe All Stars defender Mathews Master turned the ball into his own net. Master was unfortunate to put the ball past his own goalkeeper after a dangerous cross from Mighty Tigers winger Madalitso Kelva.
Bangwe All Stars came out firing after the break and found the equaliser three minutes into the second half. Lyson Nkhoma, popularly known as Gazebo, got his name on the scoresheet in the 48th minute after being set up by Prince Chalera, restoring parity and setting up a tense finish.
Bangwe All Stars FC
With the clock ticking down and both sides pushing for a decisive breakthrough, Mighty Tigers struck the killer blow in the 89th minute. Moses Banda found the back of the net after receiving a timely assist from Yamikani Thole, sending the Kau Kau Boys into celebrations with a late winner.
Despite the crucial victory, the Kau Kau Boys remain 10th on the league table with 14 points from 14 matches played. The win offers Mighty Tigers a valuable boost as they continue their campaign in the NBS Bank National Division League.
Mighty Tigers head coach Mavuto Lungu described the encounter as a tough contest, noting that both sides went into the match under pressure because of their positions near the bottom of the standings. He added that he would continue working with his current squad, taking the campaign one game at a time.
On the opposite bench, Bangwe All Stars head coach Isaac Jomo felt his side had done enough to create scoring opportunities but failed to convert them into goals. He acknowledged that the failure to take their chances ultimately proved costly, describing it as part of the unforgiving nature of football.
Mighty Tigers FC
“We have tried everything in football, but we have lost the game,” Jomo said. The defeat leaves Bangwe All Stars FC 11th on the log table with six points from 14 matches, as they continue their battle to climb away from the lower end of the standings.