Red Lions bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat to register a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Civil Service United in an entertaining FDH Bank Premiership encounter at Zomba Stadium on Saturday.
After suffering a 3-0 loss to Silver Strikers in their previous outing, the Zomba-based soldiers responded with resilience as Matamando Matchipitsa’s 77th-minute strike proved enough to separate the two evenly matched sides.
The opening stages were played at a frantic pace, with both teams creating early opportunities.
Civil Service United threatened first when Righteous Banda broke down the left flank before forcing goalkeeper Precious Mitolo into a smart save in the third minute.
Red Lions immediately responded through Shukuran Mussa, whose effort was well dealt with by Civil’s goalkeeper Rahaman John.
The visitors enjoyed more possession for long spells of the first half and repeatedly tested the Red Lions defence.
Madali Maso’s powerful effort in the 14th minute was tipped over by Mitolo, while Muhammad Piason and Righteous Banda combined effectively to orchestrate several attacks that lacked the finishing touch.
Civil Service United came agonisingly close midway through the half when Piason’s header caused panic in the Red Lions penalty area before Mitolo recovered, and moments later Banda rattled the woodwork after another flowing move.
Red Lions struggled to create clear-cut chances before the break, with Matchipitsa drawing frustration from the home supporters after firing tamely at John from a promising position.
The second half remained a cagey affair as both teams battled for control in midfield. Shukuran Mussa and Matchipitsa began to see more of the ball, with the latter forcing an excellent save from Rahaman John in the 56th minute.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute following a slick attacking move when Mussa exchanged neat passes with Matchipitsa inside the penalty area before returning the ball for the forward who rifled an emphatic finish past John to ignite celebrations among the home supporters.
Civil Service United pushed forward in search of an equaliser and almost found one three minutes later when Maso raced through on goal, only for Mitolo to stand firm and deny him in a crucial one-on-one situation.
Mitolo was again called into action late on, bravely leaving his line to clear the danger before colliding with substitute China Chirwa, although he recovered to continue.
Red Lions could have doubled their advantage in stoppage time, but substitute Alexander Dezi dragged his effort wide after a determined solo run.
Malumbo Mkandawire, Head Coach for Red Lions, praised his charges for the victory and vowed to use this momentum in their next fixture against MAFCO.
His counterpart, Emmanuel Zoya, was disappointed with the loss after creating many chances in the game.
The victory sees Red Lions return to winning ways after their setback against Silver Strikers, while Civil Service United were left to rue missed opportunities after dominating significant spells of the contest but failing to convert their chances.
The result also strengthens the soldiers’ push towards the upper half of the FDH Bank Premiership table as the first round continues.