…….TN STARS 0-5 ZITHA FC

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Stars from Tobacco grown municipality of Kasungu failed to shine in the MK13 million King Kabvina Trophy in Mponela Dowa as they have been booted out by Namitete Zitha FC in the round of 32.

The visitors who dominated the proceedings from the onset of the encounter on Saturday 15th July 2023 broke the deadlock at 4 minutes through Alick Levious before Maxwell Mangwere came up with a stunning goal in the 32nd minute.

At the end of the first stanza, the score line was 2-0 with Namitete Zitha enjoying the lion’s share in terms of possession.

At the beginning of the second half, the duel made some changes, Zitha coach Martin Mkamanga introduced Mathews Hamuza, and Simon Chimenya for Matembo Saka and Posiano Samu while Ngalauka brought in Boniface Phiri and Tsogolani Chimbaka.

However, the changes paid the visitors as they got another in the 54th minute through a spot kick after a handball by a TN Stars FC player and Maxwell Mangwere slotted it in to complete his brace of the day.

Substitute Samu Chimenya extended Zitha’s lead in the 64th minute and before the match ended Motie Gomani put the ice on the came for the visitors who traveled from Namitete.

TN Stars FC did not come to the party as they kept chasing their shadows the entire game as their opposition number enjoyed the play including exchanging good passes.

In a post-match interview, TN Stars FC coach James Ngalauka acknowledged the defeat saying his side lacked maturity on the ball hence the result was the true reflection of the game.

Martin Mkamanga Head Coach for Namitete Zitha FC said they were a better side hence the victory.

“We could have scored a dozen but my boys relaxed after scoring those two goals. As Zitha FC we are ready for any team in the cup if you want to be the best beat the best”, said Mkamanga.

Zitha FC has reached the next stages of the two cups in one week after qualifying for the K5 million Aubrey Dimba Trophy last week.

On Sunday in Kabvina Trophy there will be a fierce battle between Silver Strikers Reserve FC who are unbeaten in 9 games in Chipiku Premier division league and division one side Dzaleka Future at Champion Stadium.

So far 13 teams have qualified for the round of 16 namely: MP Roma FC, Baka City FC, Kalonga Rovers FC, Madisi United FC, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers RSV FC, Chatoloma ADMARC FC, Santhe ADMARC FC, Leyman Panthers FC, Kamba FC, Simbi FC, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV FC, and Namitete Zitha FC.