…..Extreme 3-0 Mbabzi

By Edwin Mbewe

MCHINJI-(MaraviPost)-Extreme Football Club on Sunday registered an emphatic 3-0 victory over Mbabzi United at Owen Malijani ground in Mchinji in their opening game of the second round.

In a fascinating match played under scorching weather in Traditional Authority Mavwere, both sides started on a high note, pressing in search of early goals.

The home side drew first blood in the 41st minute through Sly Antonie. After this goal, Extreme pushed for more but were denied by Mbabzi’s defense, and the match ended 1-0 at halftime.

While Mbabzi hoped to equalize early in the second half, Extreme had other plans as Gregory Mwase stretched the home lead just 10 minutes after the restart.

Mbabzi continued to struggle containing the home side, especially in midfield, with attacker Sly Antonie terrorizing the visitors’ defense with his magical moves into the box.

In the 87th minute, Antonie completed his brace after catching the defense napping and slotting the ball into the net to make it 3-0. Shortly after, the final whistle confirmed Extreme’s first win of the second round.

The victory took Extreme’s tally to 35 points, reducing the gap to three points behind leaders Blue Eagles Reserve, who have 38 points from 16 games, as they continue to pressure the Area 30-based side for the championship.

Mbabzi remain in 8th position with 19 points from 16 games, having won 5, drawn 4, and lost 7.

Extreme FC head coach Trust Nyirenda praised his players for their fighting spirit and victory.

“The boys gave their all in today’s match, hence the victory. It was a tough game since Mbabzi are also a good side, but we capitalized on their mistakes. We played them in the first round and took note of their weaknesses.

“We are fighting to qualify for the National Division League next season. We believe we will make it as we have rectified the challenges that led to our relegation from the elite league,” Nyirenda said.

Mbabzi United General Secretary Vincent Malizani expressed concerns over the team’s continued poor run but downplayed fears of relegation from the league they have competed in for decades.

“We recruited very youthful players as per recommendations from the CRFA, hence it took us time to gel. But other teams still used older players, and this affected our ability to produce consistent results, though we are able to win some games.

“The other factor is officiating, especially in away games, as decisions seem to favour home sides. But we will improve and avoid relegation from the league,” said Malizani.

Mbabzi United play their second game on Wednesday at home against Pyramid FC.

Extreme FC were relegated from the TNM Super League in the 2023 season and are fighting to return through the NBS Bank National Division League next season.

The K25 million Chipiku Stores Premier League second round produced 13 goals from five games.

In other Sunday results, Chisomo Academy lost 1-2 at home against TN Stars, with Chifundo Ngochela scoring for the hosts while Noah Malizwe and Joseph Kasewetha found the net for TN Stars.

The Maravi Post