Battle of Strugglers: Civil and MAFCO play out dull goalless draw

In a match dubbed a “battle of strugglers,” Civil Service United and MAFCO FC played out a dull goalless draw, a result that did little to alleviate their early-season woes.

The encounter, far from a top-tier spectacle, highlighted the offensive struggles plaguing both teams in the TNM Super League.

Heading into the game, both sides were in shambolic form. Civil Service United had managed just one win from their previous seven matches, while MAFCO FC fared only slightly better with two wins from seven.

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The draw means both teams remain precariously close to the relegation zone, with Civil potentially dropping into the red should Chitipa United secure a victory against Moyale Barracks on Sunday.

The game kicked off with MAFCO showing early intent, forcing Civil’s defense into action with a corner kick just two minutes in, swung in by Auspicious Kadzongolo. Civil had an opportunity from a set-play in the 12th minute, but Blessings Malinda’s free-kick sailed wide.

Civil’s best chance of the first half came in the 17th minute when a well-placed free-kick from Damiano Kunje found Chikaiko Batson, who headed it down to Khumbo Mhone. However, with only the goalkeeper to beat, Mhone fired over the bar.

The first half was a physical affair, leading to two forced substitutions for MAFCO. Goalkeeper Owen Mwale was replaced by Christopher Mikuwa due to injury, and Awalu Ali made way for Noel Sibale after a poor challenge from Damiano Kunje, who received a booking.

Towards the end of the half, Chifundo Moloson connected with a clever ball from Kadzongolo, but Civil’s goalkeeper Blessings Juma made a brilliant fingertip save to keep the scores level at the break.

While Civil Service United had a slight edge in the first half, MAFCO FC dominated the second. The visitors pressed hard, with Robert forcing a save from Juma within the first minute, and the rebound falling to Moloson, whose follow-up was also thwarted by the keeper. Noel Sibale also tested Juma shortly after, but the Civil custodian was once again up to the task.

The remainder of the match was unwatchable, so many stoppages, poor passing, and aerial battles, preventing either side from establishing any attacking rhythm.

After the match, Civil coach Abasi Makawa admitted that his team is struggling in front of goal but said with time, the team will start scoring goals.

“We are creating chances, but we’re failing to convert them,” said Makawa, whose team sits 13th in the standings with six points from eight matches. “We’ll work on this in training so that the players start taking their chances.”

MAFCO coach Stereo Gondwe echoed similar sentiments. His side, 12th on the log with a mere five goals in eight matches (just one more than Civil), acknowledged their missed opportunities.

“We created good chances, especially in the second half. We tried to get a goal but couldn’t beat their goalkeeper,” said Gondwe. “Still, a point away from home is not bad.”

The draw extends MAFCO FC’s unbeaten run against Civil Service United to seven matches, with two wins and five stalemates. However, it also marks their fifth consecutive game without a win, underscoring the challenges both teams face in finding their footing in the league.