Azam Tigers’ goal irks Blantyre United

Tom Sangala June 19, 2017

361 1 minute read

Blantyre United were left ranting and raving after Azam Tigers’ substitute striker Frazer Menyani’s controversial last-gasp leveller in a six-goal TNM Super League thriller at MDC Stadium on Saturday.

The game ended 3-3 on a sunny afternoon in Chilomoni Township, Blantyre where a decent crowd witnessed the first Super League game of the season.

Tigers’ players appeared to have handled the ball in the build up to Menyani’s injury time equaliser. He scored when United thought they had earned their only second win of the season following Jide Mbandambanda’s hat-trick.

After the game, angry United fans insulted referee John Phiri for what they felt was his biased officiation. Police fired teargas to disperse the angry fans.

Understandably, United interim Coach, Safalao Pompi, also faulted the referee. Tigers’ mentor, Patrick Kulemeka, admitted that his charges had a bad day at the office.

“The referee did well for the better part of the game but it was only in the late stages of the match when he lost control of the game. We deserved to win this game,” said Pompi, whose side was guilty of disjointed defending and erratic passing.

During the game, which Flames Coach, Ronny van Geneugden, only watched in the first-half, Luka Chima put Tigers ahead inside the opening minute, making the most of Yamikani Tambala’s misplaced back pass to score past goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa.

However, with the first-half about to end, Mbandambanda nodded in the equaliser for United, who, as of Saturday, were third from bottom with four points from five games.

Tigers, who were guilty of hurried play in the final third and sloppy man-marking, started the second-half in similar fashion to the first.

Dan Kumwenda restored the Kau Kau lead through a flick into the net before Mbandambanda volleyed in two more goals in quick succession—only for Menyani to have a final say.

Tigers have nine points from six games while lying seventh as of Saturday. Tigers: Kalavina, Martin Chongwe, Bonda Mpinganjira, Clifford Kankhuni, Hankey Machila, Peter Cholopi, Kumwenda, Innocent Msowoya (Menyani), Precious Phiri, Peter Kasonga, Chima.

United: Mikuwa, Allan Tembo, Mayamiko Chibweya, Aubrey Chafewa, Mbandambanda, Ibrahim Sadiki, Tambala, Yusuf Zawanda, Thango Malenga, Mizeyi, Sparrow Msowoya.