Luanar FC Sunday afternoon opened the 2023 season of Central Region Chipiku Premier Division League on a flying note with a 1-0 victory over newly promoted Santhe Admarc.
Luanar went into the match with a high-powered squad led by former FCB Nyasa Bullets forward Mude Geoffrey.
In a game of precious few chances, Luanar found it tough to break down the hosts but after a spell of second half pressure, forward William Mkandawire pounced the ball in from long range after good work by Michael Nyirenda to seal the three points.
Once the game got underway, it was clear that the debutants were determined not to be as charitable as they made difficult for Luanar, defending well and closing the space well.
Indeed, it took until over the half-hour mark for Luanar to register their first shot on target when Geoffrey’s shot was saved by Santhe goalie Zahaya Malithano.
Moments later, Santhe Admarc had a scoring opportunity when Henry Kamtoseni delivered a dangerous ball which found Abiuti Magayisa Maida unmarked in the six yard box whose header went over the bar.
Luanar were a much improved side in the second half as Geoffrey and Adrian Makawano were in full control of the midfield and their link up with forwards Nyirenda and Mkandawire was superb.
The Millias Pofera Jegwe’s side had a breakthrough on 66th minute when Geoffrey slid a blind pass to Nyirenda down the left who made a terrific run before he was brought down by Bless Chilembwe just outside the box and on a follow up William Mkandawire found the loose ball, hammering it with a first touch shot into the top corner of the net to secure a precious three points.
Santhe Admark responded well to going behind and they came closer to equalize on three occasions through Vuto Gindwe and Yona Mjogo but their efforts were denied by Luanar goalkeeper Graham Dzimkambani.
The victory means, Luanar FC who finished fourth last season have occupied the first position in week one of 2023 CRFA Chipiku Premier Division League.
Speaking after the match, Millias Pofera Jegwe said: “Iam happy for the victory, it wasn’t an easy match considering the condition of the pitch and again it’s the first game after a long break so iam very happy for this win”
On his part CRFA General Secretary Bernard Chiwiriwiri Harawa was excited with the patronage and level of competition between Santhe Admark and Luanar FC which he believes it reflects what will happen the whole 2023 season.
“Iam very excited to see a huge crowd of people who have come to witness the launch. We have seen good football displayed by both teams, some people would have thought Luanar would have an easy ride but it wasn’t like that” said Harawa
On behalf of the Sponsors, Chipiku Stores Administration Manager Brown Nkangama said they are still committed to develop sports in the country with the Premier Division League sponsorship and has further encouraged teams to work extra hard this season.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) through Executive Member Rashid Mterera has commended CRFA for the early kick-off of this year’s League saying it helps for the timely completion of the competition.
