FOMO stuns Ntaja, denying top spot; Red Lions roar past Bangwe

Ntaja United’s bid to claim the top spot in the NBS Bank National Division League was thwarted on Sunday afternoon as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to FOMO FC at Mulanje Park Stadium.

The Machinga-based side, needing a win to surpass Mitundu Baptist by a point, saw their hopes dashed by Chitsanzo Saidi’s 10th-minute strike, which secured a crucial home victory for FOMO.

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FOMO head coach, Jimmy Zakazaka, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. “We played very well and created numerous chances; their goalkeeper was exceptional. I’m delighted to secure another three points at home.”

However, Ntaja United’s head coach, Chisomo Kamlanje, attributed the loss to biased officiating. “This is the third time we’ve played FOMO here, and the same referee has been in charge, consistently favoring them. I question if Mulanje has only one referee,” Kamlanje lamented.

The win propelled FOMO to 7th in the standings with 6 points from two wins and two draws. Ntaja United, despite the loss, remains in fifth place with 7 points from two wins, one draw, and one defeat.

Late drama sees Zitha overcome Jenda

At Kasungu Stadium, Jenda United endured their fourth consecutive defeat of the season, conceding two late goals in a 1-2 loss to Namitete Zitha. Bester Muheliwa broke the deadlock for Zitha in the 77th minute, followed by Matthews Hamza doubling their lead ten minutes later. Robert Chipeta managed a consolation goal for the home side in the 90th minute.

Richard Fosiko, head coach of Namitete Zitha, acknowledged the tough nature of the match. “It was a challenging game, especially coming from a loss ourselves, and our opponents were desperate for their first win. They came at us hard, but our experience helped us secure those late goals and get back on track.”

Jenda United’s head coach, Uchizi Nkhunika, saw improvement despite the loss. “It was a good game; we played very well and created many chances in the first half but failed to convert. Our opponents had minimal chances but were clinical. I believe we showed significant improvement.”

This victory elevated Zitha to third place with 9 points from three wins and one loss, placing them level on points with league leaders Mitundu Baptist and Red Lions. Jenda United, meanwhile, remains at the bottom of the table with no points from four matches.

Red Lions Edge Bangwe, Climb to Second

In Blantyre, Red Lions ascended to second place in the league standings after handing Bangwe All Stars their second consecutive defeat in a tight 0-1 victory at Mpira Stadium. Midfielder Dan Nyambose netted the lone goal in the 21st minute, guiding the Zomba-based “Soldiers” to their third win of the season after a rocky start.

Red Lions head coach, Malumbo Mkandawire, commended his squad’s performance. “It was a tough match as Bangwe All Stars play good football. We instructed the boys to deny them space, and our dominance ultimately secured the win.”

Conversely, Bangwe All Stars head coach, Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman, attributed the loss to his team’s inability to convert chances. “We had so many opportunities that we should have scored, but we missed. However, I am pleased with my boys’ overall play.”

The Zomba-based soldiers are now second in the League with 9 points from four matches, level on points with leaders Mitundu Baptist. Bangwe All Stars drop to 8th on the table with 6 points from two wins and two defeats.

Week four of the NBS Bank National Division League saw a total of 15 goals scored across six matches. Chintheche United emerged as the highest-scoring team of the week with three goals. Five matches resulted in wins, with one draw.

Mitundu Baptist, Red Lions, and Namitete Zitha currently occupy the top three positions, all tied on 9 points. Chilumba Barracks, Mchinji Villa, and Jenda United are in the bottom three of the League standings.