14 games, one win: Mafco in deep trouble after loss to Eagles

Mafco Football Club’s relegation fears intensified on Wednesday as they fell 2-1 to Blue Eagles at Champion Stadium, slipping to 13th place and hovering dangerously close to the drop zone

The Salima-based Soldiers find themselves in dire straits with just six games remaining in their campaign. After 24 matches, Mafco have collected a meager 24 points—averaging just one point per game.

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Most concerning is their recent form: just one win in their last 14 matches across all competitions. During this dismal run, they’ve recorded five draws and suffered eight defeats. Their last victory came against Ekhaya back in September.

Since that win over Ekhaya, Mafco have managed only three draws while losing three times in their last six matches.

Relegation Zone Looms Large

Wednesday’s defeat dropped Mafco to 13th place, just one position above the relegation zone and staying out of danger only on goal difference. The loss was a crushing blow as they had the opportunity to climb to 11th or maintain 12th position before kickoff.

For Blue Eagles, the victory extended their unbeaten run to three games, following a 2-1 win over Ekhaya and a goalless draw with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

Mafco started brightly, with Owen Mbale forcing Eagles goalkeeper Precious Masamba into a save in the opening minute. Masamba was called into action again to deny Kadzongola, conceding a corner that was cleared.

Eagles gradually grew into the game, with Maxwell Gustavo testing the Mafco defense with a powerful shot that went wide in the 20th minute. China Chirwa headed narrowly wide for Mafco on 29 minutes as both sides traded chances.

Eagles made an early tactical change in the 30th minute, bringing on Micium Mhone for Pius Saka.

The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when defender Jacob Robert connected with a long throw-in from Tonic Viyuyi to give Eagles the lead heading into halftime.

The second half saw Eagles extend their dominance. In the 61st minute, Tonic Viyuyi doubled the visitors’ lead, heading home from Captain Gilbert Chirwa’s delivery.

Mafco Head Coach Stereo Gondwe responded with a flurry of substitutions, making four changes between the 68th and 78th minutes in search of a lifeline. Kingsley Nkhonjera, Rodwell Robert, Dalitso Nsato, and Prince Kachere were introduced as Mafco pushed for a way back into the match.

Mafco’s pressure finally told in second-half stoppage time when Auspicious Kadzongola pulled one back in the 92nd minute, but it proved too little, too late.

Post-Match Reaction

Stereo Gondwe (Mafco Head Coach) expressed frustration with his side’s inability to convert chances:

“The first 45 minutes, we were on top. We played very well and we had three big chances, but we don’t have players who are serious enough to score goals. We need to see what is affecting us mentally. We don’t know what is happening for us.”

Declerk Msakakuona (Blue Eagles Head Coach) was pleased with the double over their opponents:

“It’s good to get six points over them because we beat them in the first round. The boys played well—of course it was a tough game. We are trying to build a new team for the future. The win will lift the spirits of the boys ahead of our next game against Moyale Barracks.”

Blue Eagles completed the double over Mafco, having also won 2-1 at Nankhaka in the first round.

What’s Next?

Mafco will face Mzuzu City Hammers in their next fixture as they desperately seek points to avoid relegation.

Blue Eagles host Moyale Barracks, looking to extend their unbeaten run to four games.