Recently relegated Mighty Tigers suffered a major setback in their bid to secure an immediate return to the elite league after slumping to a shocking 2-0 defeat against Namitete Zitha in an NBS National Division League Matchweek Four encounter at Zomba Stadium on Saturday.
The defeat halted the Kau-Kau Boys’ promotion momentum, ending a run of three successive defeats, and handed struggling Namitete Zitha their first points of the season.
The visitors stunned the home crowd in the 15th minute when Alexander Cosmas, who was also awarded a man of the match accolade, capitalised on a defensive clearance from a corner kick and unleashed a thunderous strike beyond the Tigers goalkeeper, Tressa Banda, to break the deadlock.
The Cosmas brothers, Alexander and Mphatso, proved a constant menace with their intelligent movement and positional rotations, causing problems for the Tigers defence throughout the opening half.
Mighty Tigers gradually grew into the match and nearly found an equaliser in the 31st minute when Bakali Osman and James Makawa combined brilliantly before the latter’s powerful effort was tipped over by goalkeeper Moffat Limunga.
However, just as the hosts looked capable of drawing level, Namitete struck a decisive second goal in first-half stoppage time.
Chimenya Symon delivered an exquisite pass over the Tigers defence, releasing Alexander Cosmas, who calmly completed his brace to put the visitors firmly in control.
Desperate to rescue the match, Tigers made wholesale changes at the start of the second half, introducing James Tambwali, Madalitso Banda, Alex Banda and Kelvin Kadammanja.
Despite pinning Namitete deep inside their own half for long spells, the hosts lacked the cutting edge to breach the resilient visitors.
The match descended into a series of cautions for the home side, with Madalitso Banda, Kondwani Langa and Kelvin Kadammanja all entering the referee’s book as their promotion ambitions suffered a painful blow.
After the match, Mighty Tigers coach Trevor Kajawa admitted his side had endured a disappointing afternoon.
“It was a bad day at the office for us. We could not press well and we failed to combine as a team. We simply did not play to our expected standards,” said Kajawa.
In contrast, Namitete Zitha coach Enock Mhone was overjoyed after witnessing his side collect their first win of the campaign.
“We are very happy with the result. The players showed determination and worked extremely hard. This victory is a reward for their commitment and gives us confidence going forward,” said Mhone.
The victory breathes life into Namitete Zitha’s survival hopes, while Mighty Tigers are left to reflect on a costly defeat that could hinder their ambitions of making an immediate return to the elite league.
