Mchinji Villa Football Club is still in search of its first win in the NBS Bank National Division League, even under newly appointed head coach Joseph Kamwendo, after suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Mulanje-based FOMO FC.
The club unveiled Kamwendo, a former Creck Sporting coach, last week following a string of poor results in the NBS Bank National Division League.
On Saturday, Villa looked like a rejuvenated side and took the lead in the 28th minute through Juwawo Davie.
However, the advantage was short-lived as FOMO equalised in the 39th minute, courtesy of an own goal by Villa goalkeeper Chisomo Yakobe, who put the ball into his net.
The teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
The Lions of Sapitwa took the lead in the 65th minute with a stunning long-range strike from Thomas Gray that caught Yakobe off guard, and just three minutes later, FOMO sealed the victory with a third goal after a slick exchange between Yamikani Thole and Rashid Chilomo ended with Chilomo finding the back of the net, making it 3-1.
After the match, Kamwendo acknowledged the gap between his players’ abilities and the level of the league but remained optimistic.
FOMO coach Jimmy Zakazaka expressed satisfaction with the result saying they have struggled in away matches, so this being a first win on the road, it felt great.
In other results, Baka City edged Chilumba Barracks 1-0, Red Lions defeated Jenda 3-0, and Ndirande Stars beat Ntaja 1-0.
Red Lions remain at the top of the 12-team NBS Bank National Division League table with 18 points from seven games while Villa are second last with three points and have never tasted a win.
By Vincent Khonje, MANA
