Changalume Barracks finally breathed life into their NBS Bank National Division League campaign after claiming their first victory of the season with a 2-1 triumph over Chilobwe United at Zomba City Stadium on Saturday.
The bottom-placed side showed resilience to overcome seventh-placed Chilobwe in an entertaining Week 16 encounter that produced three goals, several missed opportunities and a frustrating afternoon in front of the goal for both teams.
Despite Changalume eventually taking all three points, it was Chilobwe who started on a brighter side, putting their hosts under sustained pressure with patient build-up play and attacking movements.
Madalitso Chinsomba was particularly wasteful in the opening stages, missing several opportunities that could have given the visitors an early advantage. His efforts were repeatedly denied by Changalume goalkeeper, Precious Kaphenga, who kept his side in the contest with some important interventions.
Changalume also struggled to establish themselves offensively, with long balls and a lack of cohesion in their attacking play making it difficult to trouble the Chilobwe defence. Leo Kayira had one of their best opportunities but failed to beat goalkeeper Innocent Mbwenye, shooting straight into his hands when presented with a promising opening.
Against the run of play, Changalume eventually broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half when Andrea Chipanda rose to head home a Leo Kayira cross in the 45th minute plus six.
However, their advantage lasted barely two minutes as Chilobwe capitalised on a defensive error. Watson Kondowe inadvertently headed the ball into the path of Chinsomba, who made no mistake this time to restore parity at 1-1.
The second half continued in the same open fashion, with both teams committing men forward in search of a winner.
Kaphenga once again proved instrumental for Changalume in the 50th minute when he came off his line to clear the danger after Chinsomba had outpaced the defence and looked destined to score.
Chilobwe continued to create promising openings but their inability to convert them remained a major concern. Chinsomba had another opportunity in the 80th minute after combining with Steve Banda inside the penalty area, only to squander the chance.
The visitors were made to pay for their wastefulness four minutes later when substitute Blessings Malemia restored Changalume’s lead in the 84th minute, finishing off a square pass from fellow substitute Ackim Mponda.
The goal proved decisive as Changalume held on to secure a much-needed victory and end their winless run in the league.
Changalume coach, Mike Kumanga, was delighted with the breakthrough result, expressing confidence that it could be the beginning of a positive run for his side.
He described the victory as probably the first of many to come, saying it would galvanise his players as they prepare for their next assignment.
Meanwhile, Chilobwe coach, Jimmy Chikulekule, was left disappointed by his side’s poor finishing, arguing that they had created enough opportunities to get a better result.
Nevertheless, he remained optimistic that his team would recover from the setback and gradually climb the league table.
Changalume goalkeeper Precious Kaphenga was rewarded for his outstanding contribution by being named Man of the Match, having made several crucial interventions to keep his team in contention.
For Changalume Barracks, the three points represent more than just a first league victory. They provide a much-needed confidence boost and renewed belief that their difficult campaign can still be turned around.
