BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Ndirande Stars produced a spirited second half comeback to claim a hard fought 2-1 victory over Namitete Zitha in an entertaining NBS Bank National Division League encounter at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.
The victory not only handed Ndirande Stars maximum points but also strengthened their early season ambitions as they climbed to second place on the league table with four points from two matches.
For Namitete Zitha, however, the defeat extended a frustrating start to the campaign, leaving them rooted at the bottom without a single point.
The visitors stunned the home supporters just a minute after kick off when striker Precious Manduwa capitalized on a quick attacking move to beat the goalkeeper and put Namitete Zitha ahead.
Takondwa Mphanza provided the decisive pass that unlocked the Ndirande defence.
Conceding so early could have shattered Ndirande Stars’ confidence but the hosts responded with determination.
The team launched wave after wave of attacks and won several set pieces as they searched for an equalizer, with Khareed Allie proving influential from dead ball situations.
Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, Namitete Zitha’s defence held firm for much of the first half. Just when it seemed the visitors would carry their lead into the break, Ndirande Stars struck at the perfect moment.
Deep into first half stoppage time, Corazo Zonda rose to the occasion and fired home the equalizing goal after being picked out by Khareed Allie. The teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
Ndirande Stars persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Moses Gunde emerged as the hero of the afternoon.
The forward found space inside the box and calmly converted the decisive goal, sending the home crowd into jubilation and completing a remarkable comeback.
Namitete Zitha pushed forward desperately during four minutes of added time, but Ndirande Stars defended resolutely to preserve their advantage.
The final whistle confirmed a valuable victory for the Blantyre based side and another painful defeat for their opponents.
Speaking after the match, Ndirande Stars head coach Dida Zingwangwa praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit.
He said the victory would provide important motivation as the team prepares for upcoming fixtures in the highly competitive league campaign.
On the other hand, Namitete Zitha coach Mtheto Martin Kamanga blamed his side’s defeat on a lack of concentration, particularly during crucial moments of the match.
Having also lost to Extreme FC in their opening fixture, Namitete Zitha now face growing pressure to turn their season around while Ndirande Stars leave the weekend with renewed confidence and their eyes firmly fixed on challenging near the top of the standings.
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