(By Vinjeru Ngwira)
In a tightly contested match on Sunday, 9th September 2024, MK Academy defeated Ekwendeni Sisters with a hard-fought victory at Ekwendeni Community Ground. Both teams, coming off recent wins, delivered a competitive performance in the Goshen FAM Women’s Football League in the North.
From the start, MK Academy showcased superior organization and control, particularly in the first half. Their disciplined tactics made it challenging for the home side to generate significant chances.
The breakthrough came in the 8th minute when Maggie Kandikole scored for MK Academy after Ekwendeni Sisters’ defense was caught off guard. Kandikole’s composed finish gave the visitors an early lead and set the tone for the match.
Ekwendeni Sisters tried to respond but struggled to penetrate MK Academy’s solid defense. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t find an equalizer, and MK Academy held onto their slim lead.
As the match progressed, MK Academy remained resilient, maintaining their 1-0 advantage until the final whistle. This victory earned them all three points and moved them to second place on the log with 21 points from 8 games, equaling Moyale Sisters, who lead due to a better goal difference.
Post-match, Ekwendeni Sisters’ coach, Alexander Chirwa, acknowledged the defeat, attributing it to a lack of luck and admitted they failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
Conversely, MK Academy coach, Khumbo Sibale, praised his players for their determination and discipline, describing the game as tough. He expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, especially considering both teams’ recent successes and the challenge of securing an away win.