Newly-promoted Embangweni United marked their debut in the NBS Bank National Division League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Changalume Barracks at Zomba Stadium on Saturday.
The Northern Region champions silenced the home crowd early when Robert Chipeta unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike five minutes into the first half, giving goalkeeper Precious Kamphenga no chance and handing Embangweni a dream start to life in Malawi’s second-tier competition.
The early breakthrough unsettled Changalume Barracks, who were also making their maiden appearance in the league after earning promotion from the Eastern Region Durata Premier Division League.
The Zomba-based soldiers struggled to regain their rhythm despite dominating large spells of possession.
Changalume pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Embangweni remained disciplined defensively and successfully closed down attacking spaces in what turned out to be a classic smash-and-grab victory.
The hosts nearly capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the twentieth minute when Embangweni goalkeeper Khwima Kita misplaced a goal kick straight to Amidu Mapira.
However, the forward failed to punish the mistake after attempting an ambitious curling effort with the goalkeeper caught out of position.
Play was briefly halted in the first half after Changalume striker, Kondwani Nyirenda, collided heavily with goalkeeper Kita while challenging for the ball, leaving the Embangweni goal custodian requiring medical attention.
Changalume coach, Austin Mndolo, made several tactical substitutions in the second half, introducing Blessings Malemia, Precious Maulidi, William Msowoya and Emmanuel Sikelo in an effort to inject creativity into his side’s attack.
However, the visitors were resolute to the extent that Kondwani Nyirenda was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for kicking the ball away to waste time.
Speaking after the match, Embangweni United’s coach, Dan Lusale, admitted his players struggled to cope with pressure after taking the early lead.
“We encouraged the boys to believe in themselves and be confident, and they did that. That is why we have delivered,” said Lusale.
Despite the victory, Lusale said his side still has areas requiring improvement after weaknesses were exposed by Changalume’s persistent pressure.
On the other hand, Mndolo described the defeat as “a bad day in the office” and blamed the early goal for disrupting his team’s rhythm.
“The early goal disturbed our rhythm, but this loss will motivate us to improve ahead of our next match in Mchinji,” he said.
The defeat left many home supporters disappointed after an eagerly anticipated occasion in Zomba.
Changalume appeared disjointed for long periods and lacked the creativity and clinical finishing expected from a side hoping to make Zomba Community Stadium a fortress in their debut campaign.
