Mafco FC on Saturday started their campaign to return to the TNM Super League on an impressive note with a 4-2 triumph over Lake Valley FC in a Chipiku Central Region Premier League opener at Mnthumbo ground in Ntcheu.
The game, graced by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) vice-president James Mwenda and Super League of Malawi (Sulom) executive member Allie Mwachande, marked the launch of the 2019 Chipiku Central Region Football Association (CRFA) Premier League season.
Ajawa (3rdR) as Mwenda (2ndL) looks on
Lake Valley’s Maxwell Mangwere scored the first goal of the season in the seventh minute, but Mafco equalised through Jimmy Mzunga before surging ahead through Victor Mpinganjira’s strike.
Mpinganjira scored from a penalty awarded following a handball by one of the host side’s defenders.
Minutes into the second half, Lake Valley equalised also through a penalty converted by Lorenze Ghedo after he was brought down in the box.
Paul Ndhlovu restored the lead for Mafco before Mpinganjira was back on the score sheet with a scissors kick to claim a brace and seal victory for the visitors.
In post-match interview, Mafco coach Stereo Gondwe said it was a hard fought victory while his counterpart McDonald Mtetemela accepted defeat.
“Experience helped us to earn full points and I know it might take time for the players to accept the reality that they are playing in the lower league,” said Gondwe.
Chipiku Stores administrative manager Brown Mkangama said they are anticipating an exciting season.
“We are always impressed with the output of the teams which has seen the league contributing more teams to the Super League. We also expect stiff competition,” he said.
CRFA general secretary, Bernard Chiwiriwiri Harawa thanked Chipiku for their continued support.
Mafco’s assistant coach Yohane Fulaye received the first red card of the season for confronting the assistant referee.
