Joseph Kamwendo guided Mchinji Villa to their second win of the season in the NBS Bank National Division League after coming from behind to beat leaders Red Lions in a match played at the Mchinji Community Ground on Saturday afternoon.
The Mchinji-based side had not won a game prior to Kamwendo’s appointment, but after last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Ntaja United, they followed up with a spirited second-half display to overcome a Red Lions side that had gone seven matches unbeaten.
Abel Gerard opened the scoring for Red Lions in the 29th minute, giving them a 1-0 lead at the break. But Juwao Davie equalised in the 63rd minute before Kelvin Mustafa sealed the comeback seven minutes later with the winning goal.
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After the match, Kamwendo applauded his boys for the hard-fought victory, describing the match as very tough.
“We faced a good team with a great history in football. After going down in the first half, I reminded the boys of last week’s win over Ntaja. They responded well. Scoring two goals against Red Lions is no small feat. I thank them,” said Kamwendo.
On the other side, Malumbo Mkandawire of Red Lions admitted defeat and said it was part of the game.
“We started very well and scored early. In the second half, we made changes to attack more, but things didn’t go as planned. This one is gone. We’ll reflect and prepare for our next game against Mitundu at home,” Mkandawire said.
Mchinji Villa remained 10th on the table but increased their tally to 9 points from two wins, three draws, and four losses. Red Lions, despite the loss, stay top with 19 points from six wins, one draw, and two defeats.
Meanwhile, Mitundu Baptist capitalised on Red Lions’ slip and moved within one point of the leaders after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ntaja United at Nankhaka Stadium.
Josophat Kwalira scored the only goal of the match in the 69th minute to help Baptist return to winning ways following last week’s setback.
Speaking after the game, Mitundu Baptist assistant coach Stanton Thomson expressed satisfaction with the result.
“It was a tough match as both sides were out to win. But we fought hard and got the goal. It is a big result, especially after last week’s loss in Mulanje,” said Thomson.
On the other hand, Ntaja United head coach Chisomo Kamlanje expressed frustration over officiating, believing it favoured the hosts.
“I honestly don’t know what to say anymore. What we are facing in this league is too much. From the first whistle, the referees were against us—denied us clear penalties, made wrong offside calls, and gave fouls against us. It is very bad,” Kamlanje said.
The win lifted Mitundu Baptist to second place with 18 points from six wins and three losses, while Ntaja United remained 8th with 10 points from three wins, one draw, and five defeats.
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