Namitete Zitha came from behind to beat Jenda United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Mchinji Community Ground on Saturday, moving to within three points of second-placed Baka City.
Jenda United, already relegated, took an early lead in the 2nd minute through Alexander Cosmas, but Victor Luhanga levelled in the 22nd minute. Edwin Nyirenda put Jenda ahead eight minutes later, and the visitors led at halftime. However, second-half goals from Simon Chimenya and an Alex Mbewe own goal turned the match in Namitete’s favor.
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Assistant coach for Namitete Zitha, Mike Mkamanga, said their primary goal was to win, though they expected a larger margin of victory.
“After conceding that early goal, our players thought they would score easy goals, but Jenda grew into the game and went ahead. We had to fight hard for those two goals before halftime,” said Mkamanga.
Jenda United head coach Uchizi Nkunika praised his players’ performance but lamented the painful defeat.
“It is painful because we missed a lot of chances that could have given us more goals, but it happens in football. We played well but lost,” said Nkunika.
The win lifted Zitha above Mitundu Baptist into third place with 32 points from 9 wins, 5 draws, and 5 defeats. Jenda United remain bottom of the table with 5 points from 1 win, 2 draws, and 16 losses.
FOMO stun Ntaja United
Meanwhile, Ntaja United increased their relegation fears after suffering a 1-2 defeat to fierce rivals FOMO FC at Balaka Stadium.
The Mulanje-based side took a two-goal lead within the opening 25 minutes through Thomas Grey and Prince Kajore. Madalitso Kachala’s second-half goal proved to be mere consolation for the hosts.
FOMO FC head coach Bishop Ntchindi Mhango said the early goals were crucial in neutralizing Ntaja United.
“It was our plan to score early goals and then control the game, which worked perfectly for us. I am happy to take this important win,” said Mhango.
Ntaja United head coach Mabvuto Lungu expressed concern over their poor home form.
“I don’t know what is happening because we are struggling at this ground. We win games away from home, but here we cannot get results. However, we are building a team for next season,” said Lungu.
The win lifted FOMO to fifth place with 27 points from 8 wins, 3 draws, and 8 defeats. Ntaja remain just three points above the relegation zone with 23 points from 6 wins, 5 draws, and 8 defeats.
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