Zakazaka Outwits Kamwendo, Lions March On, Ndirande Double Up

Joseph Kamwendo has been welcomed into the NBS Bank National Division League with a defeat, as his former teammate, Jimmy Zakazaka, guided FOMO FC to a comeback 1-3 win over Mchinji Villa at the Mchinji Community Ground on Saturday.

The hosts drew first blood through Jowao Davie in the 28th minute, but Chisomo Yakobe leveled matters for FOMO eight minutes later. A Thomas Grey own goal and a Rashid Chilomo strike in the second half sealed the win, handing Villa their fourth defeat of the season.

Head coach for the Mulanje-based side, Jimmy Zakazaka, said his team needed the win, especially after dropping points in their previous two matches.

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“It was a much-needed win as we performed poorly in our past matches, so I salute the boys for stepping up and playing well to win this match,” said Zakazaka.

Meanwhile, Joseph Kamwendo said his team made avoidable mistakes that cost them the game.

“It was a good game — we started well and dominated the opening 40 minutes, but after that, we made silly mistakes and gifted them goals, which gave them momentum. It’s painful, but the boys are learning,” said Kamwendo.

The result lifts FOMO to 8th on the log with 9 points from three wins and four defeats, while Mchinji Villa remain winless in 11th place, having collected just three points from three draws and four defeats.

Meanwhile, Red Lions maintained their perfect run in the league after claiming their sixth straight win with a commanding 3-0 victory over winless Jenda United at the Balaka Stadium.

Mphatso Magaleta struck twice — once in each half — before Brown Gondwe added a third to cement their position at the summit of the league standings.

Lions head coach Malumbo Mkandawire was pleased with the result. “We’re happy to have won, even though it was difficult to break them down in the first half. We came out stronger in the second half and got the goals. It’s a good win,” said Mkandawire.

On the other side, Jenda coach Uchizi Nkunika described the result as frustrating.

“It’s very painful to travel a long distance and end up with this kind of result. We conceded early but held on until the final minutes when we collapsed again,” said Nkunika.

The win sees Lions roar to 18 points from six wins and one defeat — which came on the opening day — while Jenda remain rooted at the bottom of the table with no point from seven losses.

In Blantyre, Ndirande Stars registered their second consecutive win of the season after edging Ntaja United 1-0, thanks to a first-half strike from Mayamiko Makasu at the Mpira Stadium.

Stars now climb to 8 points from two wins, two draws, and three defeats — sitting 9th on the log — while Ntaja United drop to 7th with 10 points from three wins, one draw, and three defeats.

Ndirande Stars assistant coach Robert Daudi was delighted with the win and is optimistic the team will maintain their form in upcoming fixtures.

“I’m very happy to record our second victory, and we believe the wins have started rolling in for our team. We’ll keep working hard because we’re pleased with how we’re performing now,” said Daudi.

However, Chisomo Kamlanje of Ntaja United accepted the loss but vowed to bounce back.

“It happens in football — we’re going through a rough patch right now, but we’ll sort things out and come back stronger,” said Kamlanje.

Up North at Karonga Stadium, Baka City preserved their unbeaten run and climbed to second on the log after snatching a late 1-0 win over Chilumba Barracks in the Karonga derby.

Following a goalless first half, the side relegated from last season’s elite league grabbed the winner in the 87th minute through Tambulani Mwale to seal all three points.

The Ndenga Boys now boast 15 points in second place from four wins and three draws, while Chilumba remain winless in 10th with just three points from three draws and four defeats.

Action continues on Sunday as Bangwe All Stars play their first match outside the Southern Region when they face Mitundu Baptist at the Civil Stadium, while Namitete Zitha host Chintheche United at the Mchinji Community Ground.