Former Elite League side Extreme FC moved up to second place in the National Bank National Division League (NDL) after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers at Owen Malijani Stadium on Sunday.
The win was Extreme’s third in four matches, taking their tally to nine points and lifting them from fourth to second position on the table. They now sit behind leaders Songwe Border United, who collected 10 points following their 2-1 win over Embangweni United on Saturday.
The match revived a rivalry between two sides that competed in the top flight during the 2023 season, with Mzuzu City Hammers having won both league meetings by identical 1-0 margins. The Hammers had also beaten Extreme 1-0 in a pre-season tournament match in Mchinji earlier this year.
Extreme opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Kondwani Dundu connected Gregory Mwase’s corner with a simple finish. Six minutes later, Mzuzu City Hammers were reduced to 10 men after Christopher Chulu was shown a red card for a foul on Chifundo George.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors drew level in the 31st minute through Hassani Luwembe, who finished off an assist from Cliff Mbewe.
Extreme regained the lead seven minutes later when Slay Antony raced through the defence before firing home. Antony completed his brace just before half-time, heading in a cross from Chifundo Ngochera to give the hosts a 3-1 advantage at the break.
Philip Mtika pulled one back for Mzuzu City Hammers in the 73rd minute with Samson Olatubosun providing the assist, but Extreme held on for all three points.
Antony’s outstanding display earned him the Player of the Match award.
Elsewhere, Namitete Zitha registered their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Mighty Tigers, moving up to 10th place. Changalume Barracks collected their first point of the campaign after a 2-2 draw against Chilobwe United.
The standings could change further following Monday’s fixture between Ndirande Stars and Ntaja United at Mpira Stadium. Ndirande Stars begin the match on seven points, while Ntaja United have four points and could move into the top positions with a victory.
