TNM Super League rookies Ekhaya FC gave giants FC a scare when they took the Sapitwa 4 Season 3 match to the wire losing 1-0 at Mulanje Park on Sunday.
Nigerian striker Babatunde Adepoju salvaged pride for the seasoned campaigners when he scored in the 82nd minute.
It was not a surprise for Ekhaya to put up a sterling performance with seven former Bullets in the starting line-up under the tutelege of former Reserves coach Enos Chatama.
It was an entertaining match with action flowing from end to end as if it was ping pong match.
On the hand, the match provided a stern test for veteran Bullets assistant coach Gilbert in charge of the team in the absence of head coach Peter Mponda who is on national service with the Flames in Tunisia as assistant coach for Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa.
In an interview Chirwa commended his charges for weathering the storm to carry the day.
He said: “We knew it was going to be a tough battle against a very strong Ekhaya side, but the boys showed incredible resilience and belief. From the first minute to the last, they gave everything and I could not be prouder enough of their effort.
“Babatunde’s goal was a moment of pure quality, but this victory belonged to the entire squad. Winning the Sapitwa 4 Season 3 Bonanza is a special achievement.”
On his part Chatama said it was an entertaining match. We prepared for it. We played in the first half and managed to contain to hit them on the break in the second half.
“However, we failed to penetrate the attacking third despite that we managed to contain them. This will help us work on our weaknesses before the league kicks off.”
Ekhaya beat Mighty Tigers 2-1 in the on Saturday while Bullets booted out Creck Sporting 1-0 to reach the final.
