Red Lions FC maintained their solid start to the FDH Bank Premiership campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over LUANAR Mitundu FC in an entertaining encounter at Zomba Stadium on Saturday.
The soldiers secured maximum points courtesy of captain Henry Kamunga’s decisive first-half strike in a closely contested match that was played at high intensity but lacked clinical finishing from both sides.
The victory extended Red Lions’ unbeaten run and moved them further up the standings to third after another disciplined display in front of their home supporters under the backdrop of Zomba Mountain.
Mitundu, however, started brightly and nearly stunned the hosts in the opening minutes when Nicholas Kalandira forced the Lions’ goalkeeper Precious Mitolo into an early save from close range.
Both teams approached the game aggressively in the early stages, with Red Lions captain Kamunga floating dangerous deliveries into the box while Mitundu threatened through the lively Fletcher Bandawe and Daaa Rashid.
Red Lions came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute after Safton Chimtokoma produced a dazzling solo run down the right flank before setting up Bokosi, who headed over from close range.
The visitors continued to push forward and almost grabbed the lead in the 35th minute when Kalandira unleashed a thunderous effort that struck the upright after Mitolo managed to get his fingertips onto the ball.
Red Lions survived the scare and eventually capitalised moments later.
In the 41st minute, Chihoma delivered a dangerous free-kick into the area and Mitundu goalkeeper Omarry Hammiss failed to deal with the ball cleanly, allowing Kamunga to react quicker and slot home the winner with a header.
The second half saw Mitundu increase the tempo as coach Oscar Kaunda made a quadruple substitution in search of an equaliser.
The changes injected fresh energy into the visitors, with Rahim Mtondera proving difficult to contain as Mitundu enjoyed sustained spells of pressure.
Despite the pressure, Red Lions remained organised defensively while midfielder Matamando Matchipisa dictated the rhythm of play late in the game.
Matchipisa nearly doubled the lead in the 84th minute when he unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box, forcing a fine save from Hammiss. The midfielder later received warm applause from the Zomba supporters after being substituted late on.
Speaking after the match, Red Lions coach Malumbo Mkandawire praised his players for their determination and work ethic.
“I am proud of the work rate from the players although there were minor mistakes which could have cost us because we failed to kill the game earlier,” said Mkandawire.
He also expressed satisfaction that Red Lions players have now collected five consecutive man-of-the-match awards in five league matches.
Mitundu coach Oscar Kaunda attributed the defeat to fine margins but remained optimistic despite his side suffering a third straight loss.
“We lost on finer details and margins, but we will bounce back,” said Kaunda.
The result maintains Red Lions’ growing momentum while Mitundu remain under pressure to recover from a difficult run of results in their maiden top-flight campaign.
