Head Coach for Blue Eagles FC, Elia Kananji has said that his team shall not get relegated after they seemed to have turned their fortunes in the 2023 TNM Super League.
Kananji made the remarks after Blue Eagles defeated Civil Services United Football Club 1-0 at Champions Stadium in Mponela on Sunday.
After enduring a rough patch of results that doomed the Eagles to the relegation zone for some weeks, the men in uniform have earned points in their last three matches, a win against Mighty Tigers, a draw with Karonga United and victory over Civil.
Kananji said the match against Civil lived up to its billing and credited his men for finding the mental formula to get back to winning ways.
“Our team and Civil have always been rivals even before I came to coach here therefore It was not an easy match and even before the match I told our boys to defend their lead if they would find a goal.”
“After we had a team meeting following a series of disappointing results, we have improved and I believe the boys will further drift away from relegation, “Kanaji said.
Coach of Civil Services United, Oscar Kaunda accepted defeat and highlighted that the coaching staff will ensure the team makes the necessary adjustments.
“The boys gave themselves, but could not convert the chances and again we are having several challenges which we cannot say to the public but all shall be sorted.”
“We are simply going through a bad patch similar to what Blue Eagles went through recently but I believe we shall improve and still make the top eight,” said Kaunda.
Civil Service United registered the first attempt during the first half after Love-more Mbeta swung in a cross for Moses Banda who headed away from goal.
Blue Eagles drew first blood in the 7th minute through Christopher Gototo who got at the end of Richard Lapson’s cross following a sharp run from the midfield.
Besides the early goal it took both teams a while before they could properly settle into the game.
During the second half, Blue Eagles continued to defend their lead with Civil Services Untied leaving it till late when they managed to pile pressure on the visitors however every attempt proved futile as it was either wasted or halted by goal keeper Chakonda Majanga.
The result saw Blues Eagles climb up the log table to position 12 on 24 points from 21 games while Civil Services United are 13th also with 24 points.
PICTURE SOURCE: Edwin Mbewe
