An early strike by midfielder Ben Hojani was all Blue Eagles FC from Area 30 needed to outsmart Escom United FC in the grand final for the K20 Million Carlsberg Cup played Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Hojani struck just 10 minutes into the game with a 20-metre ferocious drive that ended in Escom’s net via the top corner of Escom’s goalpost.
As if they were after armed robbers, the cops swarmed all over Escom after the goal but hasty finishing denied them more goals. At one time, Eagles’ midfield machine Mecioum Mhone, who was a handful for Escom midfield and defence failed to beat goalkeeper Thomas Kalavina
in a one versus one occasion.
Escom also tried their best with Flames’ forward Chiukepo Msowoya and nimble-footed striker Noel ‘Amfumu’ Mkandawire leading their battle cry. The two, however, lacked support from their midfield- marshaled by Jacob Ngwira to do the damage.
Eagles continued squandering clear-cut chances in the second half and would have been punished in the final quarter when their cracks started appearing in their defence.
Minister Anita Kalinde presents the cup to FAM president
In one of Escom’s high moments, Chiukepo Msowoya exchanged dangerous passes with substitute Misheck Gawani before hitting the upright with a close range effort.
Gawani was also close to tapping in a spilled ball by Eagles goalkeeper Duncan Mkandawire before the goalie recaptured the ball.
Despite being urged on by the crowd, which rallied behind them, the electricians never found the net and it was disappointment in their camp after camp after the while.
Stand in coach/player Kondwani Gawani had difficulties to accept the defeat and accused referee Jones Makuwira from Lilongwe of favouring Blue Eagles.
Eagles’ Deklerk Msakakuona said he was happy to defeat a side that has proved a tough nut to crack by his side in the teams’ previous cup meetings.
“From the time I was with Eagle Beaks, Escom have been giving us problems in cup competitions and I am happy that we have finally neaten them to win the Carlsberg Cup.
The Eagles went home K7 million richer for winning the cup with Escom pocketing K3 million.