Changalume Barracks’ miserable start to the NBS Bank National Division League season continued on Saturday 30th May 2026 after they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Ndirande Stars at Zomba Stadium, a result that further deepens concerns about the military side’s prospects and leaves their future looking increasingly bleak.
The home side came into the match desperate to secure their first victory on home soil, but instead endured another frustrating afternoon marked by defensive mistakes, injuries and a lack of cohesion against a well-organised Ndirande outfit.
Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was observed in honour of former Chilobwe United Technical Director, Rodgers Yasin, who has passed on recently.
Ndirande signalled their intentions from the outset when they had the ball in the net within seconds from kick-off, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The visitors continued to dominate the early exchanges, displaying superior fluidity and coordination while Changalume struggled to establish any meaningful rhythm.
The hosts’ problems were compounded when Emmanuel Mayinala was forced off due to injury after a heavy challenge, with Precious Maganga replacing him in the 20th minute.
Ndirande eventually made their superiority count in the 29th minute when a careless turnover in Changalume’s own half allowed Coranzo Zonda to break forward before squaring for Macray Chiwaya, who calmly slotted the ball home to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Changalume’s best chance of the opening half arrived five minutes before the break when Bon Walusa rattled the crossbar, but the hosts went into halftime trailing 1-0.
The second half exploded into life with a flurry of goals.
After Changalume showed renewed urgency following the restart, Ndirande doubled their advantage in the 48th minute when Khaleed Ali delivered a pinpoint free-kick that Moses Gunde powered into the net with a header.
The hosts responded almost immediately, when, two minutes later, Emmanuel Sikelo’s effort crashed against the crossbar and Maganga reacted quick to convert the rebound and reduce the deficit.
Changalume then drew level in the 53rd minute. Blessings Malemia’s dangerous corner found Blessings Harawa, whose header sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters as the score moved to 2-2.
However, the comeback proved short-lived.
Just four minutes later, another defensive lapse cost Changalume dearly. William Msowoya miscued a clearance and the ball fell kindly to Zonda, who punished the mistake by firing Ndirande back in front.
Despite pushing forward in search of another equaliser, Changalume were unable to recover.
Their task became even more difficult after substitute Mervin Mwaila was stretchered off with an injury shortly after entering the match.
Ndirande sealed the victory in the 75th minute through two substitutes. Mwayi Simkonda orchestrated a sweeping move before squaring the ball for Kondwani Kucheza, who finished clinically to make it 4-2 and put the result beyond doubt.
While Changalume showed character to recover from two goals down, the match once again exposed the recurring problems that continue to plague the side.
Defensive errors directly led to crucial goals, injuries disrupted their plans, and long periods of disjointed play highlighted a team still searching for identity and consistency.
For Ndirande Stars, it was a deserved victory built on organisation, efficiency and ruthless punishment of mistakes.
For Changalume Barracks, meanwhile, another home defeat raises serious questions about their ability to turn their season around, with the road ahead appearing increasingly challenging unless drastic improvements are made.
