Mzuzu City ‘hammer’ Dedza to revive survival hopes as Dennis Phiri gifts easy goal

Mzuzu City Hammers 1-0 Dedza Dynamos
Mzuzu Stadium, Wednesday

Mzuzu City Hammers have revived their survival hopes after securing their second win in three matches with a narrow 1-0 victory over struggling Dedza Dynamos on Wednesday afternoon at Mzuzu Stadium.

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Alex Orotomal scored the only goal in the 60th minute—his second in three games—after also finding the net in Hammers’ 2-1 win over Mighty Tigers before their loss to Civil Service United.

Following the win, Hammers have climbed one place to 14th, dropping Tigers to 15th. They will be looking to maintain their recent momentum and escape the relegation zone.

For Dedza Dynamos, the defeat marks their third consecutive loss, having previously fallen to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers FC.

How the Game Unfolded

The match started with Dedza Dynamos applying early pressure. Frank Sanudi delivered a dangerous cross into the box that found Masebo unmarked on the blind side, but he drove his shot into the side netting.

Hammers responded with a corner taken by Chimwemwe Chunga that went directly into Dennis Phiri’s hands. Dedza won a free kick, but David Habu’s effort sailed meters over the bar.

Edward Dakalira received a yellow card for foul language after Dedza conceded a free kick that Phiri comfortably collected.

Jimmy Msiska conceded a free kick on the right side. Sanudi’s well-curved delivery found Marcos Chiwaya, whose connection sent the ball over the bar.

Hammers created their own chances through Chunga’s delivery into the box. Isaac Msiska’s header missed the upright by centimeters, while Aubrey Simbi headed over from a corner kick.

Sanudi was booked for carelessly bringing down Hammers’ playmaker Chunga. Simbi’s resulting free kick was well cleared.

Just before halftime, Dedza introduced fresh legs with Gift Kasambala replacing Chifuniro Mpinganjira.

Dedza started the second period on a high note, utilizing the pace of Bright Masebo on the left wing, but they failed to find the decisive breakthrough.

The deadlock was broken in remarkable fashion when Dedza goalkeeper Dennis Phiri inexplicably failed to handle a simple ball thrown into the box, gifting Alex Orotomal an easy tap-in at the goal line.

Hammers made a double substitution, bringing on Samuel Amos and Jeremiah Kanyika for the injured Dumisani Jere and goalscorer Orotomal.

Dedza’s troubles deepened when Frank Sanudi received a second yellow card for deliberately handling the ball, reducing Dynamos to 10 men while trailing.

Despite a late corner kick for Hammers that was well defended, referee Edward Chagala blew the final whistle, confirming all three points for the home side—crucial in their relegation battle.

What’s Next?

Mzuzu City Hammers will host Karonga United on Sunday at Mzuzu Stadium. Karonga are coming off a 2-2 draw against Mafco FC.

Dedza Dynamos will travel to Chitipa to face Chitipa United, who were stunned by Songwe Border FC on Wednesday. The match is scheduled for Sunday.