Hammers claim Mzuzu derby bragging rights, escape relegation zone

Mzuzu City Hammers have climbed out of the TNM Super League relegation zone after securing their first-ever Mzuzu Derby victory, defeating Moyale Barracks 0-2 at Rumphi Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. This historic win also ended Moyale’s unbeaten run in the league.

Entering the match without a single win against Moyale since their promotion, the Hammers sealed their second victory of the season with crucial first-half goals from Moses Gwayi and Jeremiah Kanyika.

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Moyale, playing on their home turf, started aggressively. Charles Nkhoma tested Joseph Fulawo with a strong shot in the second minute, forcing a great save. However, just a minute later, Moses Gwayi put the Hammers ahead. Despite conceding, Moyale continued to press, with Nkhoma and Kashoti narrowly missing opportunities to equalize.

The Hammers extended their lead to 2-0 in the 32nd minute when Jeremiah Kanyika connected with a Samson Olatubosun ball to find the back of the net. Kanyika nearly grabbed his second goal six minutes later, but Jeremiah Simfukwe denied him. Moyale’s efforts to get back into the game were hampered when Jimmy Viyuyi’s goal was disallowed for offside.

The Kaning’ina Lions started the second half with renewed vigor.

Moyale coach Prichard Mwansa made tactical changes in the 50th minute, bringing on Black Aliseni and Lesmann Singini for Maneno Nyoni and Jimmy Viyuyi, followed by Nadrick Nyirenda replacing Kashoti. The Hammers also made substitutions, with Eric Kaonga and Mustafa Maulana coming on for Kanyika and Arnold Phiri.

In the 86th minute, Moses Gwayi had a goal disallowed for offside. As the hosts desperately sought a consolation goal, Falawo made a fantastic save to deny Lovemore Jere. However, the Hammers held on for the crucial win after 90 plus five minutes of play.

Luckson Mauluka Nyoni, assistant head coach for the Hammers, expressed the team’s relief: “It was a tough match as Moyale came to find an early goal, but we scored on the third minute, then we got another one which boosted the morale of the boys. We are coming from a string of losses, so I told the boys to win the Derby.”

Moyale’s head coach, Prichard Mwansa, described the result as painful: “It’s a painful result as we have lost here. We played well, but then we conceded early in the game which confused our boys. We missed a lot of chances in the game, that’s why we have lost.”

The win elevates the Hammers to 13th place with 7 points from two wins, one draw, and four losses. Moyale remains in 6th position with 13 points from three wins, four draws, and one defeat.