Ekwendeni Hammers will have to beat Dedza Dynamos at home in their next fixture for them to escape from relegation this season praying for either Moyale Barracks or Civil Service United to drop points in their remaining games.
The Iron Boys claimed a 3-2 win over Civil Service United on Wednesday at the Rumphi Stadium to move out of the relegation zone. They have climbed the table from number 14 to 12 with 33 points from 29 games.
Despite the defeat, Civil are 11th on the table with 33 points from 28 games while Moyale Barracks have dropped to the red zone with 31 points from 28 outings.
Moyale Barracks will play against their brothers in arms, Mafco FC and Red Lions in their remaining two games while Civil are facing two Blantyre based sides, Bangwe All away from home and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at home.
Desperate for the points, Hammers had a dream start as Samson Phiri steered the team into the lead after beating Tione Tembo who was out of his line. The Servants were dealt with a fresh injury concern when Harry Nyirenda was pulled off after stretching off. Kelvin Kadzinje replaced him just 10 minutes into the first half.
Civil grew into the game and Lloyd Banega angrily arrowed his effort wide before Binwell Katinji thundered home Innocent Tanganyika’s cross to level the scores just the half-hour mark.
Isaiah Nyirenda was denied by Tembo with a half volley, Wongani Lungu registered a beauty from outside the cross. Samson Chiona who assisted Phiri for the opener also played a role in Hammers’ second.
Substitute, Blessings Singini who replaced Samuel Adiyemi gave Hammers a crucial two-goal advantage with a brilliant free-kick to the right corner of Tembo’s net but John Dambulen’s strike was not enough to salvage a point for the Servants.
Elias Chirambo, Head Coach for the Mzuzu based side said they will plan again for the next assignment for them to get the points.
“We are going again. We badly need points. We have to praise the boys for the fighting spirit,” he said.
Wilson Chidati, Assistant Coach for Civil Service United they tried but luck was not on their side.
“We tried to score two goals away from home. It’s not bad, we were away from home where we faced a lot but the boys tried,” said Chidati.
Lions delay their relegation confirmation after holding Bullets
Not yet confirmed but Red Lions have slim chances of getting themselves out of the relegation with a game to go before wrapping up the season.
Former Moyale Barracks striker, Deus Mkutu denied FCB Nyasa Big Bullets maximum points when he cancelled Patrick Mwangulu’s 55th minute strike.
A point was not enough for the Zomba based Soldiers as they were in need of three points. Their goal difference of -21 leaves them to the great disadvantage. They have scored 22 goals, conceding 43 goals this season.
However, Chifundo Masapula who spoke to the media after the game still holds the belief that they will have a do-or-die clash against Moyale Barracks in their last game.
“Not bad, we conceded first and we managed to get an equaliser, we have to praise the boys. We just have to encourage the boys to work hard on our next assignment,” he said.
Red Lions remain slumped to the bottom three, second from the bottom with 29 points from 29 games.
The draw leaves Bullets short of six points from sealing their fifth consecutive league Championship. They will have to travel to Nankhaka Ground, Dedza Stadium and Karonga Stadium before hosting Silver Strikers at home.
