….Zitha 3-3 Airborne
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Namitete Zitha’s aspirations to secure a spot in the 2024 TNM Super League suffered a setback as they shared a 3-3 draw against the formidable Airborne from Salima, in a thrilling encounter held at Mbabzi United on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
The match ignited with both teams displaying fervor, yet it was the visitors who struck first, with Thomas Kashoni finding the net at the 18th-minute mark. The Flying Soldiers soared into halftime leading 1-0.
Zitha swiftly equalized early in the second half through Posiano Sam in the 46th minute. However, their joy was short-lived as Airborne extended their lead to 2-1 with a goal from Chisomo Wame in the 52nd minute.
Undeterred, the Namitete-based team persevered, and Yohane Kamwaza restored parity in the 70th minute, leveling the score at 2-2.
Airborne Rangers persisted in their attacking approach, seeking to reclaim the lead, and their efforts paid off when Thomas Kashoni netted his second goal of the day in the 80th minute, putting the scoreline at 3-2.
Maintaining their lead until the 90th minute, Airborne was on the verge of victory, but Posiano Sam salvaged a late equalizer for Namitete Zitha in the dying moments at the 94th minute.
In response to the match outcome, Namitete Zitha’s head Coach, Martin Mthetho Mkamanga, attributed the draw to fatigue, having played another match against Support Battalion at Fikiza in Salima, where they secured a 4-1 victory on Sunday.
“As a team, we must rectify the mistakes that cost us today’s game. Despite creating numerous chances, our conversion lacked precision. We must win our remaining two games and observe how the league table unfolds. We now face a tough challenge relying on our counterparts to drop points,” remarked Mkamanga.
David Kachingwe, Airborne Rangers’ coach, commended his team’s tenacity against a strong opponent in the league’s critical phase.
“It was a hard-fought match, reflecting the crucial stage of the league. Our players displayed tremendous effort to secure points. I commend my team for their dedication,” Kachingwe commented.
Heading into the match, Namitete Zitha triumphed 4-1 over Support Battalion in Salima at Fikiza, while Airborne claimed a 2-1 victory against LUANAR.
Following today’s result, Kawinga Football Club leads the table with 47 points from 20 games, with Namitete Zitha closely trailing in second place with 44 points.
Namitete Zitha faces two critical games against Ngolowindo and league leaders Kawinga, essential victories they must secure. Similarly, league leaders Kawinga have two remaining matches against Green Intellectuals, LUANAR, and second-place Namitete Zitha.
Silver Strikers Reserve occupies the third position with 40 points, while Airborne Rangers holds the fourth spot with 36 points.
As per the released fixtures, the 2023/2024 Chipiku Stores Premier Division League is set to conclude on January 10, 2024, with the Namitete Zitha versus Ngolowindo FC encounter scheduled at Kamuzu Barracks ground.
