Baka City delivered an impressive performance on Saturday afternoon, crushing Chintheche United 5-2 at Karonga Stadium to close the gap on NBS Bank National Division League leaders Red Lions.
The hosts ran riot in the opening stages, netting three goals within the first 25 minutes. Amon Mwakitalu scored twice, with Mwiza Mwaona adding another to give Baka a commanding halftime lead.
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The second half saw both teams find the net twice more. Mwakitalu completed his hat-trick and Hastings Ndau added another for the hosts, while Aubrey Nkhumbula and Thoko Kamanga replied for the visitors.
Baka City head coach Victor Mwakhwawa credited the early goals for their success and expressed confidence in their title challenge.
“We are in contention for the championship. We’re second and not far from Red Lions, so what we want is to finish at number one and we will surely fight for it,” said Mwakhwawa.
Chintheche head coach Isaac Kapyepye was left shocked by the heavy defeat.
“Since the start of the league, we have never conceded five goals. This is the first time. It’s a shocking result and I’m very disappointed,” said Kapyepye.
The victory lifts Baka City to second place with 26 points from 7 wins, 5 draws, and 3 defeats—just 6 points behind Red Lions. Chintheche, meanwhile, dropped into the relegation zone with 18 points from 4 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses.
Mitundu Baptist Edge FOMO FC 2-1
Mitundu Baptist claimed their first win of the second round at Civo Stadium, defeating FOMO FC 2-1.
Raheem Mtondera opened the scoring in the 21st minute with his 15th goal of the season. Charles Mbewe doubled the lead 20 minutes later, before Rashid Chilomo pulled one back with his 7th goal of the campaign—a mere consolation for the visitors.
Head coach Audrow Makonyola was delighted with the result, which rekindled their championship ambitions.
“We are competing against experienced teams that were already in the Super League. We just came from a lower league, but still we are in good positions. We want to finish at number one and it’s possible. Last week we got our first away point, and we are not losing at home,” said Makonyola.
FOMO FC head coach Jimmy Zakazaka was unhappy with both the result and the officiating.
“The result is not a true reflection of how the game was played. You have seen it yourself, but we don’t want to talk much. We have to move on and focus on the upcoming matches,” said Zakazaka.
The win moves Mitundu Baptist up to third place with 25 points from 8 wins, 1 draw, and 6 defeats. FOMO FC sit sixth with 20 points from 6 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses.
Chilumba Barracks Escape Relegation Zone
Chilumba Barracks climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time this season after beating bottom-placed Jenda United 2-1 at Chitipa Stadium.
Two early strikes from Chisomo Kampango and Moses Botha within the opening 8 minutes proved decisive, with Wyson Nyirenda’s second-half goal serving only as a consolation.
Head coach Nelson Chirwa highlighted the importance of the early goals and expressed confidence in avoiding relegation.
“We will play in this league next season. It’s possible because we have more games at home and fewer away, so if we win at home it will be better for us,” said Chirwa.
Jenda United head coach Uchizi Nkunika lamented missed chances and questionable officiating, but remained optimistic.
“The future remains bright because we have many games to play. We will see how it goes, but we will keep fighting in the games left,” said Nkunika.
The victory lifts Chilumba Barracks to 8th place with 19 points from 4 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses, leapfrogging Chintheche United. Jenda United remain rooted to the bottom with just 5 points from 1 win, 2 draws, and 12 defeats.
Namitete Zitha Return to Winning Ways
Namitete Zitha secured their first win of the second round and returned to the top four after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bangwe All Stars at Mchinji Community Ground.
Francis Nyirenda scored the decisive goal in the 19th minute, and the hosts held firm to claim all three points after suffering three consecutive defeats in their opening second-round fixtures.
Head coach Richard Fosiko said the match went according to plan and expressed hope for improved performances.
“We had some differences in our team that affected our performance, but we have solved them all. I believe they won’t come again and we will maintain what we have done in this game,” said Fosiko.
Bangwe All Stars assistant coach Davie Matemba admitted they conceded an easily avoidable goal but remained confident in their objectives.
“Our target is to compete for the first three positions in the league. I know we are not doing enough to achieve that, but I believe we will make it happen,” said Matemba.
The win lifts Namitete Zitha to fourth place with 23 points from 6 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses. Bangwe All Stars drop to fifth with 21 points from 6 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses.
Sunday’s Fixtures
Action continues on Sunday with two crucial matches:
Mchinji Villa vs. Ntaja United at Mchinji Community Ground
A win for Villa would move them closer to escaping the relegation zone, while Ntaja United could leapfrog out of the drop zone with victory.
Ndirande Stars vs. Red Lions at Mpira Stadium
Leaders Red Lions can restore a 9-point gap at the top with a win, while Ndirande Stars could climb to fourth place with an upset victory.
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