.….Moyale 0-2 Hammers
By Edwin Mbewe
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-As the battle for points intensifies in the 2025 TNM Super League, Mzuzu City Hammers showcased total composure in a mid-week Mzuzu City derby as they thrashed Lions of Kaning’ina 0-2 at Rumphi Stadium.
The soldiers struggled to keep the possession from the onset of the match as Hammers controlled the proceedings, no wonder with just three minutes into the match, Moyale conceded through Moses Gwayi after Lovemore Jere failed to clear the ball following a counter attack launched by Hammers.
In the 7th minute, Moyale launched a counter-attack through Charles Nkhoma, but the effort went in vain, the Soldiers then improved their play and put the game evenly balanced after 10 minutes of play as both sides enjoyed equal ball possession.
Despite trailing 0-1, the Soldiers kept pressing for an equaliser, in the 20th minute they launched another dangerous attack which forced the Hammers’ defence to clear the ball for a corner kick which was taken by Charles Nkhoma.
From that point, the soldiers started dominating ball possession as they used different military tactics, firstly they tried monkey-run without a gun before coming up with kitten-crawl, however, the civilians were not shaken as they kept their defence solid.
Chimwemwe Kashoti unleashed a thunderous shot for Moyale in the 22nd minute, but Joseph Fulao was equally ready for the task as he picked the ball without much ado.
Moyale nearly equalized in the 26th minute as Hammers defenders were caught napping, however, Chimwemwe Kashoti and Clever Kalambo miscommunicated before the ball zoomed out into touch.
Hammers extended their lead in the 32nd minute through Jeremiah Kanyika who received a well-timed pass from Samson Olatubosun put themselves comfortably ahead of the Soldiers before the break. Kanyika unleashed another dangerous shot but this time, Moyale Barracks goalkeeper reacted quickly to make the save.
In the 44th minute, the Soldiers thought they had pulled one back through Jimmy Viyuyu, however, it wasn’t a goal as it was ruled out for offside and minutes later the match was called for recess with the visitors leading 0-2.
Early after the break, Hammers continued aggressively attacking the Soldiers as they won a corner kick which was quickly taken by Chawanangwa Mkandawire before the soldiers rose to the occasion and cleared the danger.
Slowly the Soldiers sniffed danger of being beaten for the first time in the season, Coach Pritchard Mwansa made changes as Maneno Nyoni and Jimmy Viyuyu paved ways for Black Aliseni and Liseman Singini.
The substitutions changed the complexion of the game as Aliseni delivered a beautiful corner-kick into the box before Hammers cleared the danger.
Moyale started enjoying the possession but continued to struggle in unlocking the Hammers’ defence which appeared rock-solid on the Wednesday afternoon.
Mwansa made another change in the 68th minute as he brought in Nadrick Nyirenda for Chimwemwe Kashoti.
From 71st minute, both sides contested in high balls, turning the game into a display of spectacular aerial duels assisted by the wind blowing from Chikulamayembe hills and South Rukuru river.
In 75th minute, Mzuzu City Hammers replied with a double change as Alick Kaonga and Mustafa Maulana replaced Jeremiah Kanyika and Arnold Phiri. Soon after his introduction into the game, Maulana was shown a yellow card for a rough tackle in the 76th minute.
Moyale’ Chisomo Chawanda received a yellow card after pulling down Hammers’ striker, Moses Gwayi in a one-on-one situation in the 83rd minute.
Liseman Singini got his shot blocked by Hammers resulting into corner kick which was defended in the 90th minute. Hammers continued piling pressure to the home side as Moses Gwayi led the assault group.
Hammers then played professional delaying tactics as they made a change in the 90 +4 minutes, taking out Moses Gwayi for Saidie Hussein.
Soon the match was ended, and yes it was confirmed that Hummers broke Moyale’ unbeaten run in the league this season. Joseph Fulao of Hammers was later voted player of the match.
In a post match interview, Moyale Barracks head coach Pritchard Mwansa described the defeat as very painful.
He stated, “It is very painful because we have lost 2 nil, the performance was not good enough and we conceded so quick that is why we lost our shape and touch.
“We didn’t play as we play all the time, we have another game next Wednesday, I think we need to polish up”.
His counterpart, Assistant coach for Hammers, Luckson Nyoni was delighted with the victory describing it as a difficult game.
“It was a difficult game i think in the early minutes Moyale came looking for an early opener but we defended well. The early goal we scored boosted morale and build confidence in our players.
“We are coming from string of losses so we told our boys to win the derby which they did by scoring two goals, I’m very excited”, Nyoni said.
Moyale Barracks FC are now on position 6 with 13 points from 8 games having won 3, drawn 4 plus 1 loss.
While Mzuzu City Hammers which has struggled in the previous games sits on position 13 with 7 points from 7 games.
The team managed to win 2 games, drawn once and amassed 4 losses.