Army derby ends in stalemate as Mafco, KB share spoils

In a pulsating encounter between two military sides, Mafco Football Club and Kamuzu Barracks battled to a 2-2 draw that saw both teams take the lead and both forced to fight back from behind.

The result leaves Mafco in 10th place with 22 points, missing the opportunity to leapfrog Chitipa United into ninth position, while Kamuzu Barracks remain seventh with 26 points after 19 games.

Kamuzu Barracks began the match with intent, launching several dangerous attacks in the opening minutes. John Mchema came close to breaking the deadlock early on, receiving a beautiful delivery from Zeliat Nkhoma, but his effort sailed over the bar. Minutes later, Mchema was left frustrated again when he failed to connect with another inviting cross from Nkhoma, with the goalkeeper already beaten.

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Despite their early dominance, it was the visitors who struck first.

In the 14th minute, China Chirwa rose highest to connect with a corner kick delivered by Auspicious Kadzongola, giving Mafco a somewhat undeserved lead against the run of play.

Kamuzu Barracks continued to press, and their persistence paid off when Mchema was brought down inside the box. Hope Namadzunda stepped up to convert the 24th-minute penalty, beating Owen Mbale to level the scores.

The home side’s momentum grew, and eight minutes later they completed the turnaround. Namadzunda turned provider this time, delivering a well-placed free-kick from the right flank. Zeliat Nkhoma collected the ball, weaved past several Mafco defenders, and slotted it into the bottom corner to give Kamuzu Barracks a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.

Mafco manager responded to the deficit with a double substitution at the break, bringing on Daudi Saiti and Prince Kachere for Zikani Sichinga and Kingsley Nkhonjera, who had been booked for dangerous play in the first half.

The changes nearly paid immediate dividends when Paul Ndhlovu’s free-kick struck the crossbar, with Kamuzu Barracks scrambling to clear the danger.

The visitors kept pushing, and their pressure finally told in the 70th minute. Once again, it was the combination of Kadzongola and Chirwa that proved decisive. The midfielder delivered another dangerous corner kick, and Chirwa powered home a header to restore parity at 2-2.

The final 20 minutes saw both teams create half-chances, but neither could find a winner. The match became increasingly fractious, with referee Godfrey Nkhakananga showing yellow cards to Hope Namadzunda, Vitumbiko Phiri, Lloyd Mugala, and Taniel Mhango as tackles flew in.

China Chirwa was named Player of the Match for his brace, both goals coming from corner kicks.

The draw extends Kamuzu Barracks’ winless run to three matches, following consecutive 1-0 defeats to Dedza Dynamos and Civil Service United.

For Mafco, the point continues a difficult spell that has seen them win just once in their last five matches – a second-round victory over Ekhaya. During this period, they’ve suffered losses to Wanderers and Ekhaya (in the first round) while drawing with Moyale Barracks and now Kamuzu Barracks.

In their last six head-to-head encounters, the military rivals have been evenly matched, with each side winning twice and two matches ending in draws.

Final Score: Kamuzu Barracks 2-2 Mafco

Scorers:
Mafco: China Chirwa 14′, 70′
Kamuzu Barracks: Hope Namadzunda 24′ (pen), Zeliat Nkhoma 32′

Player of the Match: China Chirwa (Mafco)