Embangweni United moved into second place in the NBS Bank National Division League after beating Bangwe All Stars 2-0 at Rumphi Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The win took Embangweni to 10 points from five matches, level with leaders Songwe Border United, who remain top on goal difference. Songwe have scored seven goals and conceded four, while Embangweni have scored six and conceded three.
Embangweni have pushed Extreme FC to third place. Extreme, who have nine points, will face leaders Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash.
Ndirande Stars, who are fourth with eight points, also have a chance to move above Embangweni when they face eighth-placed Mzuzu City Hammers at Rumphi Stadium today.
In Friday’s match, Embangweni took the lead in the 10th minute through Menard Magawa, who capitalised on a poor clearance from Bangwe All Stars goalkeeper Maudo Dayless.
Bangwe responded well and almost equalised in the 15th minute, but Embangweni goalkeeper Khwima Qita produced a brilliant save to deny Lyson Nkhoma.
Despite trailing, Bangwe remained composed on the ball and continued to build attacks with confidence. Nkhoma was a constant threat to the Embangweni defence, forcing Qita into another important save as the visitors searched for a way back into the match.
Embangweni doubled their lead four minutes after the break when Abraham Mkandawire headed home from a well-curled corner by Wongani Chipeta in the 49th minute.
The hosts then defended well until the final whistle to secure maximum points and strengthen their position among the early title contenders.
Matchweek Five continues today with bottom-placed Changalume Barracks, who have one point, hosting ninth-placed Mighty Tigers at Zomba Stadium.
On Sunday, Namitete Zitha, who are 10th with three points, will host fifth-placed FOMO FC at Owen Malijani Stadium in Mchinji, while seventh-placed Ntaja United will host sixth-placed Chilobwe United at Balaka Stadium. Ntaja and Chilobwe are both tied on five points, separated by goal difference.
