Escom United under fire coach Charles Manda has warned that it’s too early to write off their Super League title chances after the electricians beat Cobbe Barracks 2-0 at Zomba Community ground on Sunday.

The defending champions have had a rough ride this season, recording a shocking seven losses in 20 matches.

So after being eliminated from the Standard Bank Knock Out Trophy by Red Lions, Escom needed a win against Cobbe or their season could have been all but over.  

However, Chimwemwe Nyakamera and Chimango Kaira ensured the burden was lifted off their technical panel when their second half goals sealed the victory.

Not a massive performance but three points were what Escom needed in this trying moment.

"The win was a timely morale booster. I am hoping this recovery will continue. It is too early to rule us out of this race," Manda said.

In the opening minutes the encounter was a balanced affair with both sides threatening.

The hosts’ greatest chance fell on the path of Thomas Mawera Junior but his close range effort went into the sky.

Escom's veteran striker Heston Munthali also missed a great chance with his header missing the goal on the 32nd minute.

In the final half, Manda replaced Saopa Mpotalinga with Chatsalira.

The new entry took only a minute to impress as he exchanged passes with Heston before unleashing a terrific volley.

It seemed as though the ball had missed the goal mouth but when it found its way into the top right corner, relief engulfed the Escom bench and grief on Cobbe's.

The soldiers never said die though: they launched several attacks that did not bake an equaliser.

Kaira killed the game a minute before full time when his low hard shot beat clean the hosts’ goalkeeper Blessings Chamera.

Cobbe technical director Christopher Tembo blamed the loss on fatigue after beating Tigers 24 hours earlier.  

Escom now have 29 points from 20 games while Cobbe have 20 points from 19 matches.