Amuwalira: Mafco beat Civil to escape relegation zone

Mafco FC secured a vital three points in their fight for survival, defeating Civil Service United 2-0 at Champion Stadium on Thursday afternoon. The win lifts the Salima-based side out of the relegation zone.

Goals from China Chirwa and Chifundo Moloson scored in the first half and second half respectively as Stereo Gondwe’s side arrested their winless streak and condemn Civil Service United to their third consecutive defeat.

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The match began at a frantic pace as Civil Service United launched an early attack through Dastan Banda, who threatened Mafco’s defense before Paul Ndhlovu cleared the danger on the goal line. The early scare prompted an immediate response from the home side, who earned a free kick in the 9th minute when Civil Service committed a foul in their own half. Kelvin Kadzinje stepped up to take it, signaling Mafco’s intent.

The Salima Soldiers grew into the game, with China Chirwa leading several threatening attacks. Both teams traded opportunities as the match developed into an evenly contested affair, with each side hunting for the opening goal.

Civil Service came agonizingly close in the 16th minute when Banda found himself one-on-one with Mafco goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa, but fired his shot straight into the keeper’s hands. Two minutes later, another golden opportunity went begging as a Civil Service effort sailed wide of the target.

Mafco responded immediately through Chirwa, who forced an excellent save from Richard Mwaila with a powerful strike in the 19th minute. The opening 20 minutes set the tone for an intense, end-to-end contest with both goalkeepers tested repeatedly.

The physical nature of the game saw Yankho Billiat receive the first yellow card in the 30th minute for a poorly timed challenge. Despite numerous chances created by both sides, the deadlock remained unbroken as the first half wore on.

Then, five minutes before the break, China Chirwa broke through. The former Civil Service United forward struck a powerful shot past his old club to give Mafco a crucial 1-0 lead. Referee Jimmy Phiri added two minutes of stoppage time before blowing for half-time with the home side ahead.

Civil Service emerged for the second half determined to salvage their top-four ambitions. The visitors pushed forward immediately, but Mafco’s defense stood resolute. In the 50th minute, Billiat had a chance to equalize from a free kick just outside the penalty area, but wasted the opportunity.

The pressure continued to mount as Civil Service launched wave after wave of attacks, led by Chikaiko and Banda. However, Mafco’s backline, marshaled effectively by Ndhlovu, held firm to protect their slender advantage.

Both teams continued to create chances throughout a balanced second period. In the 61st minute, Chirwa nearly doubled the lead with an audacious bicycle kick, but Mwaila was equal to the effort.

Civil Service made their first substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Precious Chipingu for Banda in search of fresh attacking impetus. Mafco responded with a double change after 75 minutes, introducing Daudi Zaiti and Robert for Auspicious Kadzongola and Zikani Sichinga to shore up their lead.

As the clock ticked down, Civil Service made a final roll of the dice in the 86th minute, replacing Kadzinje with Magombo. But it was Mafco who struck the decisive blow.

In the 88th minute, Chifundo Msondo sealed the victory with Mafco’s second goal, easing any lingering nerves among the home supporters. Despite six minutes of added time, Civil Service could find no way back, and the final whistle confirmed a vital 2-0 victory for the Salima Soldiers.

Implications

The three points prove crucial for Mafco in their relegation battle, lifting them to 12th place with 28 points from 26 games. For Civil Service United, the defeat represents a missed opportunity in their pursuit of a top-four finish, leaving them in 5th place with 37 points from 24 matches.