FOMO FC were held to a goalless draw by Embangweni United at Zomba Stadium this afternoon, with both sides taking a point as they approach the end of the first round of the NBS Bank National Division League.
The result leaves FOMO frustrated after dominating large spells of the encounter and creating several promising opportunities, while fourth-placed Embangweni appears to be satisfied with a point from a difficult away fixture.
FOMO, who are based in Mulanje but played their home fixture at Zomba Stadium, started brightly after coming into the match looking for a recovery from a 2-1 defeat to Songwe Border United.
Sebastian Chinsomba had an early opportunity when Lucky Nyondo delivered a cross into the box, but his free header went straight into the hands of Embangweni goalkeeper, After Chisi.
Chinsomba was again involved in a goal-scoring opportunity moments later, first hitting the side netting before sending another effort wide as FOMO began to establish momentum.
Embangweni, who arrived on the back of a 3-1 victory over Mighty Tigers, struggled to impose themselves consistently as FOMO controlled possession and repeatedly pushed into the final third.
However, the visitors almost took the lead shortly before halftime when Menard Magawa unleashed an effort that appeared destined for the top corner, to which FOMO goalkeeper, Joseph Gerald, reacted brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with FOMO mounting wave after wave of attacks.
Malizeni Kalema was a constant threat, delivering a dangerous cross into the box on one occasion, only for there to be no FOMO player available to apply the finishing touch.
FOMO came close again from a corner when McPhen Mdoolo’s header forced Chisi into another excellent save as Embangweni survived under sustained pressure.
Chinsomba had another golden opportunity in the 68th minute after FOMO invaded the Embangweni penalty area, but instead of shooting first time, he attempted to control the ball and prepare his effort, allowing the defence to recover and clear.
Substitute Steven Makwinja was presented with another opportunity in the 81st minute after being played through, but he failed to capitalise on it as FOMO’S finishing problems continued to haunt them.
Despite the pressure, Embangweni held firm to secure a valuable point.
FOMO coach Bishop Ntchindi Mhango was left ruing his side’s inability to convert their chances.
“We dominated the entire game and created chance after chance but finishing is a problem. We have lost two points today,” said Mhango.
Embangweni coach Dan Lusale, meanwhile, acknowledged that his side had endured a difficult afternoon at Zomba Stadium, admitting that FOMO dominated proceedings in many spells.
For Lusale, however, the point gained was valuable as Embangweni survived the pressure and maintained their challenge near the top of the table.
Attention now turns to the final matches of the first round, with both teams having one game remaining before the halfway mark of the campaign.
Embangweni will next face Namitete Zitha as they seek to finish the first round strongly, while FOMO will look to address their finishing deficiencies and turn their chances into goals as they prepare for their final first-round fixture.