Chitipa miss two penalties but score late winner in dramatic victory over MAFCO

Chitipa United scored an 89th-minute winner to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over MAFCO in the TNM Super League at Chitipa Stadium on Saturday, despite missing two penalties.

The hosts fell behind after Eric Atsigah’s first-half penalty miss was punished by Chifundo Moloseni’s opener for MAFCO. Joseph Mbaga then missed Chitipa’s second spot-kick in the second half before substitute Mabuchi Msiska equalized and defender Asumani Julius netted the late winner to snatch all three points.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

The visitors thought they had taken the lead in the 12th minute, but Prince Kachere’s goal was ruled out for offside. Chitipa were then awarded a penalty in the 26th minute, but MAFCO goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa saved Atsigah’s effort.

MAFCO made the hosts pay for their profligacy six minutes later when Moloseni fired the soldiers ahead. Zenga Manda nearly grabbed an equalizer before halftime, but his shot went wide.

Chitipa introduced Mabuchi Msiska for Peter Bale at the interval, and the substitution would prove decisive. In the 54th minute, Nelson Sikaona was fouled in the box to win a penalty, but Mikuwa again came to MAFCO’s rescue, saving Mbaga’s effort.

However, Msiska leveled the scores in the 59th minute with a well-taken goal to set up a tense finale.

Chitipa continued to pile on the pressure, forcing MAFCO to introduce Wakisa Kalinga and Rodwell Robert for Kachere and Vitumbiko Phiri. Sikaona blasted an attempt over the bar as the hosts searched for a winner.

Chitipa made further changes with Stain Matengere replacing Manda, while Moloseni made way for Kelvin Nadzombe. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, defender Julius struck in the 89th minute to seal a dramatic comeback victory.

Post-Match Reaction

Chitipa United assistant head coach Sullivan Kandulu praised his team’s determination despite the penalty misses.

“It is a good win because the league is getting tough and we need to be taking home points so that we can move up. Today we had two penalties saved, but we told our boys that we need to win at any cost and I must salute them for their hard work,” said Kandulu.

MAFCO head coach Stereo Gondwe was less pleased, criticizing the match officiating.

“I have nothing to say. You have seen it yourself—the referee tried hard so that Chitipa win today. Losing two games is not a problem; we have other teams that are losing many games. But the problem is what you’ve seen. With this kind of officiating, we can’t do better,” said Gondwe.

The victory lifts Chitipa United into eighth place with 29 points from seven wins, eight draws, and seven defeats in 22 matches. MAFCO remain just three points above the relegation zone with 23 points from six wins, five draws, and 11 defeats.