Mitundu Baptist continued their impressive run in the NBS Bank National Division League, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Namitete Zitha in their first home match of the season at Civo Stadium on Sunday. This win solidified their position at the top of the standings, maintaining a perfect record after three matches.
Both sides entered the contest with two wins from their opening fixtures, setting the stage for a highly anticipated derby. After a goalless first half, the game exploded into life in the second period. Josophat Kwalira broke the deadlock for Mitundu Baptist in the 58th minute, and Horace Mchoma doubled their lead just 10 minutes later. Despite Mathews Hamza pulling one back for Zitha in the 76th minute, it wasn’t enough to trouble Mitundu Baptist, who held on for their third consecutive win.
Audrow Makonyola, head coach for Mitundu Baptist, acknowledged the intensity of the encounter. “It was a tough game because this is a derby. Even in the Chipiku League, we always gave each other a tough time, but I am happy that we have won. This game has really shown us that we are now good in the tournament,” said a pleased Makonyola.
Namitete Zitha’s head coach, Richard Fosiko, accepted the defeat graciously. “It was a tough game for us, you know this is a derby, so yes, we tried, but Mitundu won. We accept the defeat and we move on,” he stated.
The victory propels Mitundu Baptist to the summit of the league table with 9 points from three games, boasting an impressive goal difference of 9 goals scored and only one conceded. Namitete Zitha, despite the loss, remain in fifth position with 6 points from two wins and one defeat, having scored three goals and conceded two.
In another fixture played at Mpira Stadium, Ndirande Stars were unable to secure their first win, playing out their second consecutive home draw in a 1-1 stalemate against Chilumba Barracks in Blantyre. Madalitso Geoffrey gave the Stars the lead within the opening 20 minutes, which they held until halftime. However, Maforino Clement found the equalizer for the soldiers, snatching a vital away point.
Robert Daudi, assistant coach for Ndirande Stars, expressed his disappointment with the outcome. “It was a good game, we played very well, but we lacked a killer punch to finish the game. We have no win in three matches, it’s worrisome, but we will try to fix things, and results will come,” Daudi commented.
Conversely, Chilumba Barracks head coach, Silent Mkandawire, was pleased to secure their first point of the league season away from home. “I told the boys that we are winless and also we have come a long way from Karonga, so if we don’t win, we should fight for a draw, so I’m happy that we have a point in our bag now,” said Mkandawire.
Ndirande Stars currently sit ninth with two points from three matches, while Chilumba Barracks are tenth with one point from one draw and two defeats.
Meanwhile, at Balaka Stadium, Red Lions secured their second consecutive victory of the season, overcoming a resilient Chintheche United side with a 3-1 win. The result propelled the Lions into the top three of the league standings. Abel Gerald opened the scoring for Lions in the 27th minute, but Robin Chioka quickly cancelled it out six minutes later. Gerald restored the lead for the Lions in the 55th minute, and Mathews Simbeyi sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike.
Red Lions’ head coach, Malumbo Mkandawire, praised their opponents despite the win. “It was a tough game, maybe people are just hearing about Chintheche United. It is a good side, well organised, and it demanded our hard work in order to win,” he remarked.
Chintheche’s head coach, Isaac Katete, was satisfied with his team’s overall performance despite the loss. “We started very well, and we controlled the game up until we gifted the goal, so you know it’s a team of youngsters, and they were disturbed after that goal. However, I’m happy with the performance,” he said.
Following the win, Red Lions are now third on the log with 6 points from two wins and one defeat, having scored four goals and conceded two. Chintheche United are seventh with four points from one win, one draw, and one defeat, with three goals scored and four conceded.
A total of 17 goals were scored across the six matches played in the third week of the NBS Bank National Division League. FOMO’s resounding 4-0 victory over Ntaja United was the biggest win of the week. Four games produced decisive results, while two matches ended in draws.
As the third week concludes, Mitundu Baptist, Ntaja United, and Red Lions occupy the top three positions respectively. Chilumba Barracks, Mchinji Villa, and Jenda United currently find themselves in the bottom three spots of the league
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