Hammers’ struggles hit new low, draw against Chitipa, remain in relegation Zone

Mzuzu City Hammers’ struggles in the TNM Super League continued as they dropped crucial home points, held to a goalless draw by Chitipa United at Rumphi Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The result sees the Hammers, who finished an impressive fourth last season, remain firmly entrenched in the relegation zone, while Chitipa United has now picked up seven points from their last three matches.

The game started slowly, with both teams failing to create significant opportunities in the opening ten minutes. Joseph Mbaga had an early free-kick attempt saved, before the Hammers began to assert themselves towards the end of the first half.

Isaiah Nyirenda, Samuel Olatibosan, and James Gwayi all had shots that missed the target. At halftime, Mzuzu City Hammers made three changes, bringing on Peter Barry, Kennie Mlenga, and Andrew Joseph for Joseph Mbaga, Mabuchi Msiska, and Trouble Kajani.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

In the second half, Olatibosan’s well-struck free-kick was saved by the Chitipa goalkeeper in the 54th minute. Further substitutions saw Akeem Abioye replaced by Jollen Kanyinji for the Hammers, and Raphael Nkhoma coming on for Mally Kasongo for Chitipa. Rajab Nyirenda also had a free-kick attempt go straight to the goalkeeper.

The final 20 minutes saw a more open game. Andrew Joseph narrowly missed after being set up by Kenson Mlenga in the 74th minute, and James Gwayi squandered a glorious chance for the Hammers. Fahad Mtcheka replaced Lamson Lukali, and Saidi Hussein came on for Olatibosan, but both Joseph and Mtcheka failed to convert their attempts in the dying minutes, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.

Lazarus Nyemera, assistant coach for Mzuzu City Hammers, expressed disappointment with the outcome. “It was a good game but a bad result for us, as we wanted to win because we were playing at home. We missed a lot of chances, hence failing to win.”

Chitipa United head coach Kondwa Ikwanga, the former mentor of many Mzuzu City Hammers players, described the encounter as tough and evenly contested. “It was a tough game. We started badly, but after some minutes, we started playing well. They were also playing well, taking the game to us, and we also took the game to them, so it was 50-50.”

The draw leaves Mzuzu City Hammers in 15th position on the table with 8 points from two wins, two draws, and five defeats. Chitipa United, meanwhile, sits in 9th place with 13 points from three wins, four draws, and four defeats in the League.