Chikwata strikes as Ekhaya wrap up first round with win

Clever Chikwata emerged as the undisputed hero as Ekhaya FC, the season’s dark horses, concluded the first round with a stunning 1-0 victory over Mafco on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium.

This exhilarating win, their eighth of the season, propels the Cowboys back into the top four of the 2025 TNM Super League table with 26 points from 15 games. The defeat leaves Mafco languishing in 11th place with 17 points, extinguishing their hopes of climbing to ninth.

Ekhaya will now turn their attention to the FDH Bank Cup Round of 32, where they face a daunting away clash against Moyale Barracks.

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The Match: A high-stakes encounter

Coming off a two-week hiatus, Ekhaya needed a commanding performance to overcome a formidable Mafco side, which had a stellar record in their last five outings—one loss, three wins, and a draw. Ekhaya, on the other hand, was seeking redemption after a punishing July that saw them succumb to a trio of heavyweights: Mighty Wanderers, Big Bullets, and Silver Strikers. Their positive response was a masterclass, inflicting Mafco’s second consecutive and eighth overall defeat of the season.

Ekhaya started the match with an explosive intensity. Fullback Hermas Masinja’s fierce volley narrowly missed the side netting, signaling the hosts’ intent. Mafco responded swiftly, with Paul Ndlovu forcing a brilliant save from Ekhaya’s Amos Sande after a perfectly executed free-kick from Auspicious Kadzongolo.

The hosts continued to dominate the offensive action. James Lumbe, who was later crowned Player of the Match, saw his effort from the edge of the box saved by Christopher Mikuwa. A dazzling run from Stanley Billiat almost created a golden opportunity for Clever Chikwata, but his dangerous cross was intercepted. Moments later, a precise pass from Lumbe found Safton Chimtokoma, who teed up Vincent Salawira for a shot that was heroically saved by Mikuwa.

Ekhaya’s best chance of the first half came from the penalty spot after Aubrey Chafewa fouled James Lumbe. However, Mikuwa was up to the task, making a fine save to deny Andrew Lameck. The half ended with yellow cards for Mafco’s Paul Ndhlovu and Vitumbiko Phiri.

Second-half: showdown and a moment of brilliance

Ekhaya’s coach, Enos Chatama, introduced Matamando Mwatchipisa and Lovemore Mbeta for Safton Chimtokoma and Vincent Salawira at the start of the second half. Despite the changes, Mafco began the half stronger, with skipper Paul Ndlovi heading a Kadzongolo delivery just wide. Daudi Sauti came agonizingly close to scoring for Mafco, but his goal-bound shot was blocked by Fanizo Mwansambo before being cleared to safety by Andrew Lameck.

The deadlock was finally shattered in the 68th minute. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Hermas Masinja delivered a million-dollar pass that found Clever Chikwata, who unleashed a thunderous shot to give Ekhaya a deserved lead. Mafco’s defense was completely outmaneuvered by Ekhaya’s relentless high press.

Stunned but not defeated, Mafco almost responded immediately, but Rodwell Robert’s close-range shot was brilliantly saved by Amos Sande. Despite mounting pressure from Mafco in the final minutes, the hosts’ defense stood firm, safeguarding their slender lead and securing all three points.

The victory marks a formidable defensive record for Ekhaya at Kamuzu Stadium, as they have now denied six teams from scoring against them. Only Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers have managed to score a single goal each, while Silver Strikers remain the only team to breach their defense more than once, with three goals.