Ekhaya FC full-back Alick Lungu produced a man-of-the-match performance, scoring one goal and providing two assists as the Cowboys cruised to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over bottom-placed Songwe Border United on Saturday afternoon.
The win ended a difficult run for Ekhaya, who had lost consecutive matches across all competitions with their previous victory coming on 9th August 2025, when they defeated MAFCO 1-0 in the league.
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Playing at the Mpira Stadium, the venue where they secured promotion to the elite league, Ekhaya were determined to end their five-game winless streak. They started with intensity and were rewarded with three goals in the opening 25 minutes.
Songwe initially frustrated the hosts with compact defending in the opening 10 minutes, but Moses Banda provided the breakthrough. The midfielder pounced on a loose ball from Lungu and drove a low shot past goalkeeper Ringster Galima to open the scoring.
Two minutes later, in the 23rd minute, Lungu turned provider again, setting up Levison Mnyenyembe for his first goal for the club. The full-back then got on the scoresheet himself just a minute later, unleashing a powerful left-footed strike after receiving a pass from Emmanuel Savieli to make it 3-0.
Songwe responded with a double substitution just after the half-hour mark, bringing on Bernard Mwangosi and Owen Mwangonde for Galima and Faraj Hadji. However, Ekhaya continued to dominate, with James Lumbe hitting the post as the hosts searched for more goals.
Both teams made changes before halftime, with Blessings Malinda replaced by Wongani Kaponya for Ekhaya, while Bryson Kanambo came on for Cosmas Nyondo for the visitors.
Ekhaya extended their lead just two minutes into the second half when Mnyenyembe was fouled in the box. Savieli stepped up to convert the penalty, making it 4-0 and effectively putting the game beyond doubt.
Songwe showed signs of life as they gained momentum, with Richard Chajo forcing Joshua Waka into a save and Moses Julius Joseph sending two free-kicks over the bar.
Ekhaya made further changes in the 67th minute, introducing Vincent Salawila and Safton Chimtokoma for Hadji James and James Lumbe.
The visitors finally got their consolation goal in the 76th minute when Festus Chikwegza was brought down in the box. Moses Julius Joseph made no mistake from the spot to make it 4-1.
The closing stages saw Moses Banda receive a second yellow card with two minutes remaining, while Mnyenyembe was replaced by Joseph Saiwa as Ekhaya saw out the victory.
Coaches’ Reactions
Ekhaya head coach Enos Chatama expressed relief at ending the team’s losing streak.
“It was a tough game as the boys lost confidence due to the losing streak we were in, but we told them to fight for early goals, which we did. In the second half, we dropped the intensity as they were satisfied with the goals and we conceded a penalty, but I’m happy because we have won,” Chatama said.
Songwe head coach Christopher Nyambose admitted his side’s poor performance.
“The approach into this game was very bad. We were second to the ball and we conceded easy goals, so we have to accept that it was not our day,” Nyambose said.
The coach also cast doubts over his team’s survival hopes, adding that they would need to wait a few more games to determine their future in the league.
The victory lifts Ekhaya to sixth place with 29 points from nine wins, two draws, and eight defeats in 19 matches.
Songwe Border United remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just two points from two draws and 17 defeats, facing an increasingly difficult battle to avoid relegation.
Final Score: Ekhaya FC 4-1 Songwe Border United
Scorers:
Ekhaya FC: Moses Banda 13′, Levison Mnyenyembe 23′, Alick Lungu 24′, Emmanuel Savieli 47′ (pen)
Songwe Border United: Moses Julius Joseph 76′ (pen)
Man of the Match: Levison Mnyenyembe (Ekhaya FC)
Discipline:
Red Card: Moses Banda (Ekhaya FC) 88′
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