By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji Villa remain winless in their opening three matches at the Mchinji Community Ground in the ongoing NBS National Division League.
The team suffered a 0-4 defeat to Mitundu Baptist Football Club during the league’s inauguration, followed by a narrow 0-1 loss to Namitete Zitha Football Club last Saturday.
On Wednesday, a noticeably improved Villa side faced Baka City from Karonga. The hosts started brightly, dominating early proceedings and their pressure paid off in the 6th minute when Kevin Mustafa scored from close range after Baka goalkeeper Omary Hamis failed to deal with a shot from Patrick Malenguka.
Villa nearly doubled their lead seven minutes later through a long-range effort from Madalitso, which narrowly missed the target.
Baka City struggled to assert themselves but had a significant chance in the 30th minute when Enock Kaonga’s header skimmed just over the bar.
Despite enjoying more possession in Villa’s half, they were unable to convert their dominance into goals.
Villa went into the halftime break leading 1-0 and hopeful of securing their first win.
In the second half, Baka City introduced Duncan Mhango and Privilege Chirwa in place of Robert Koneli and Lloyd Siyeni.
The substitutions brought renewed energy, and Baka City began to apply more pressure. However, Villa’s defence, led by last man Precious Kachule, stood firm.
Kaonga came close again in the 58th minute, hitting the upright after a promising build-up from the left wing.
In response, Villa’s attack, spearheaded by Shamiona Wotchi, Mazunzo Banda, and Mustafa, pressed for a second goal.
Mustafa struck the post with a shot from outside the box, and Hamis produced a fingertip save to deny Ernest Chimusi from the rebound.
Hastings Ndau proved to be a constant threat to Villa’s defence, creating space and delivering dangerous crosses from the left.
His efforts paid off in the 88th minute when he controlled a ball inside the 18-yard box and fired a powerful equaliser, dashing Villa’s hopes of a home victory. The match ended 1-1.
Speaking after the game, Baka City Coach Victor Mwakhwawa admitted his team struggled early on.
“We were under pressure after conceding early. There was a lack of coordination, but in the second half, I switched tactics by pushing more players forward and using only three defenders—that’s when we got our goal,” he said.
Mwakhwawa also noted the challenges in the division league.
“This league is tougher than the Super League in terms of officiating. Home teams tend to have the advantage, so we will focus on capitalising on our home games,” he added.
Villa coach Eliya Phiri remained optimistic despite the draw.
“We’ll come back stronger. Our next game is away, so we’ll focus on mentally preparing the players to perform on the road,” said Phiri.
The result lifts Villa from the bottom of the log to ninth position. However, they have played three matchesone more than most other teams, except Baka City who have also played three.
Mitundu Baptist, Bangwe All Stars, and Namitete Zitha remain at the top of the table with six points each, maintaining perfect starts to the season.
