Chance Kaonga's second-half strike handed Chitipa United a deserved 1-0 victory over Ekhaya FC at Chitipa Stadium on Saturday, securing all three points for Basongo in front of their home supporters.

The hosts started brightly and nearly found an early breakthrough in the third minute when Nelson Sikawona's free-kick was cleared by the Ekhaya defence..

Basongo created a series of promising chances before the break. Zenga Manda was denied after latching onto a well-weighted pass from Friday Osagie in the 32nd minute, before Julius Asuman headed wide from close range just two minutes later.

Ken Mulenga then delivered an inviting cross in the 40th minute, but Augustine Njongoroh's header drifted wide of the target. At the other end, Ekhaya's best opportunity of the half fell to Gift Chunga, whose effort sailed over the crossbar.

After two minutes of added time, the teams went into the halftime break with the score still locked at 0-0.

Ekhaya introduced George Mateyu and Allen Chihana at the start of the second half in a bid to change the game, but it was Chitipa United who broke the deadlock.

The decisive moment arrived in the 56th minute when Nelson Sikaona produced an excellent cross from the leftside making Chance Kaonga direct it into the net with a simple tap to give Basongo a deserved lead.

Chitipa almost doubled their advantage five minutes later through Ken Mlenga, but the move was ruled out for offside. Shortly afterwards, goal scorer Kaonga made way for Vitumbiko Katuya.

The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser during the closing stages, forcing Chitipa onto the defensive. However, Basongo remained disciplined at the back and dealt well with the pressure to protect their narrow advantage.

After three minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Chitipa United, with Chance Kaonga's goal proving enough to earn Basongo all three points.

Defender Ken Mlenga was names the player of the match