Coach for Extreme FC, Andrew Bunya has expressed optimism that his team can escape TNM Super League relegation if they can claim victories in the 10 remaining games.
Bunya made the remarks following his team’s 1-0 loss after hosting Mighty Tigers at Nankhaka Stadium on Tuesday.
Blessing Juma’s butter fingers, Messiah Kachingwe’s striker and Innocent Nyasulu’s fine penalty save just about summarized the relegation escape themed match.
Mighty Tigers were on top of proceedings from the onset creating as many as three chances before Extreme FC could calmly settle.
Then Alex Kambilinya picked out Precious Chiudza for a cross to Bright Mtondagowa who blast his effort over the bar.
On the other end, Extreme FC began to ask questions through spells from Stephano George, Beston Jimu as well as from defender Gift Daniel. It was a back and forth affair until the close of the half.
Extreme FC came out guns blazing in the second half, as Nyasulu was given little breathing space.
What followed were a sequence of attacks from Chifundo George, Beston Jimu and Gregory Mwase with Nyasulu saving all.
Substitute Messiah kachingwe capitalized on Juma’s mistake in the 71st minute to slot in the goal.
The ball fumbled out of the keeper’s hands and Kachingwe was quick enough to pounce on it in the process evading central defender Kalema who tried to hook it off the line.
Extreme FC was awarded a penalty in the 85th minute after Kelvin Banda handed the ball in the box.
Francis Black squared up to take it, however Nyasulu who is arguably the best penalty shot stopper in the League guessed right to save the kick.
In a post-match interview, Bunya expressed disappointment with the result insisting that the defeat is mentally induced as the boys are still stuck on previous victories.
“The boys know we are in a troubled position in the league I wonder why the performance wasn’t at its best.
“However we have 10 games left meaning we could potentially have 30 more points therefore we need to take every game serious just as a cup final,” said Bunya
While Head coach for Mighty Tigers, Christopher Nyambose described the win as vital since it further pushed them away from the drop zone.
Nyambose also highlighted that it was his game plan to have Kachingwe start from the bench as he had anticipated that Extreme FC would have expected him to start along fellow striker Chiudza.
While Mighty Tigers have moved up to number 12 from 13 with 21 points, Extreme remain bottom of the league (16) with 14 points.
