By Suleman Chitera
Hopes for a fresh start under newly appointed head coach Joseph Kamwendo were dashed on Saturday as Mchinji Villa FC slumped to a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Mulanje-based FOMO FC in the NBS Bank National Division League.
Villa, desperate to revive their campaign after a poor start to the season, showed early signs of improvement when Juwawo Davie opened the scoring in the 28th minute, sending home fans into wild celebrations. But the joy was short-lived as a defensive mix-up saw goalkeeper Chisomo Yakobe inadvertently turn the ball into his own net in the 39th minute, allowing FOMO to level the score before halftime.
Despite the introduction of fresh legs in the second half — with Mazunzo Banda and Ernest Chimuvi coming on — Kamwendo’s side struggled to keep up with FOMO’s intensity.
The visitors took full control in the second half, with Thomas Gray putting FOMO ahead in the 65th minute through a thunderous long-range strike that left Yakobe flat-footed. Villa tried to respond, and Davie nearly netted a second, only to be denied by a superb save from FOMO shot-stopper Richard Mtekateka.
Just moments later, FOMO sealed the victory with a well-worked goal. A slick one-two between Yamikani Thole and Rashid Chilomo ended with the latter calmly slotting past Yakobe in the 76th minute to make it 3-1.
Villa had a golden opportunity to pull one back in the dying minutes, but substitute Banda squandered the chance after being brilliantly set up by Shamiona Wotchi.
Speaking after the match, Kamwendo, who joined Villa last week following a disappointing start to the season, admitted that the team has a long way to go.
“The players we have are not quite at the level of this league, but it is not a big deal. We will continue with the same squad and work to motivate them to perform better,” Kamwendo said.
FOMO coach Jimmy Zakazaka was full of praise for his side, particularly after securing their first away win of the season.
“We have struggled in away matches, so this being our first win on the road feels great. The boys gave it their all today,” Zakazaka said.
Other NBS Bank National Division League Results:
- Baka City 1–0 Chilumba Barracks
- Red Lions 3–0 Jenda FC
- Ndirande Stars 1–0 Ntaja United
With the latest results, Red Lions continue to dominate the 12-team league table with 18 points from seven games. Villa, meanwhile, remain second from bottom with just three points and are still searching for their first win of the season.
