By Twimepoki Mangani
Civil Service United (CIVO) Women notched three points as they began their run in the second edition of the National Women’s Championship by beating Moyale 3-1.
The group stage game, was played at Civo stadium in Lilongwe.
The match witnessed the earliest goal in the championship after Martha Joseph’s well-crafted effort from the left flank in the first minute. It took only three minutes for Moyale to find an equalizer through Shuppie Gondwe while Linda closed the scoring with her brace in the 28th and 31st minute.
Speaking in a post-match interview Coach of Civil Abus Makawa said he was pleased with the result while admitting the complexity of the match.
“It was a difficult game, it became simpler after we scored two more goals. In the second half we couldn’t capitalized on the chances which shows that improvements are required,’ he said.
Makawa hailed left back Martha Joseph for her excellent performance while admitting that Malawi National Council of Sport’s suspension of formal sporting activities due to the national tragedy occasioned by Cyclone Freddy affected the player’s preparations.
“The latter was disappointing and it came very late in the evening, therefore both teams were affected, but we are pleased that they came out and played good football,” Makawa added.
Moyale team poses for a photo pic by Berry Bwanali
On the other hand, Coach of Moyale, John Chimwala was displeased with his team’s outing but remained hopeful that his young squad will improve.
“Besides this being an away fixture, I think it was just fear, we were able to hold them off in the second half which means it was possible to produce a similar performance in the first half.
“We didn’t give up in that second half but we just weren’t lucky because we shouldn’t have lost today”, Chimwala said.
Concurring with Makawa, Chimwala said though the players played the match the suspension letter from MNCS affected them mentally.
In other matches played on Saturday, DD sunshine beat CY sisters 3-0 with goals from Gladys Banda, Ireen Khumalo and Chisomo Banda at Mzuzu stadium. Ntopwa defeated Evirom 3-0 with a brace from Kondawu Banda and a goal by Olivia Phikani at Mpira stadium.
On Friday evening MNCS through a statement signed by Chairperson Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise said all affiliated Sports Associations should notice suspension of activities this weekend following the declaration of a state of Disaster and 14 days of mourning by President Lazarus Chakwera.
However after engagements between officials of women’s football and MNCS approval was granted for the women’s games scheduled for Saturday in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu to proceed.
Civil Service United Women during their pre match photo pic by Berry Bwanali