Ntaja tame Red Lions in Thumbs Up
Red Lions, who were relegated from the TNM Super League last season, started life in the second-tier league on Sunday with a 3-2 loss to Machinga-based Ntaja United.
The match marked the official opening of the 2024 ThumbsUp Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) League Premier Division season.
It was expected that the Zomba-based Malawi Defence Force-sponsored outfit would start on an impressive note to make an immediate return to the top-flight.
However, it was the hosts that showed determination to collect maximum points in front of hundreds of vocal supporters, sponsors and Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya.
It took only 10 minutes for Ntaja United to set the game ablaze with two quick goals through Mike Thom and James Zuze.
Of course, Lions showed their ability to wake up from a deep slumber as they restored parity before the break with battle-hardened striker Deus Nkutu and prolific forward Royal Bokosi heading home from corner-kicks. The first-half ended two-all.
But Frazer Mbewe scored Ntaja United’s winning goal in the second half.
“This is really a painful start to lower league football. We gave our all, but it was just not our day. We will do our best to make a quick recovery in our next fixture because it is our dream to return to the TNM Super League this season,” said Lions team captain and goalkeeper Nenani Juwaya.
On the other hand, it was all smiles for the Ntaja United technical panel, including coaches Mabvuto ‘Tigana’ Lungu and Chisomo ‘Chacho’ Kamlanje as they joined their players and supporters in celebration after the final whistle.
Said Lungu: “It was not easy to beat a team which was playing in the Super League up to last season. I applaud our boys for putting up a fearless and purposeful fight. If we continue like this, then we have high chances of earning promotion into the top-flight league next season.”
Rab Processors Limited communication manager Andrew Lulker, whose company has bankrolled the second-tier league to the tune of K21 million this season, said they expect more exciting games in the next fixtures.
Haiya, who watched the game alongside other football officials such as SRFA chairperson Raphael Humba, said he was proud to see action in the second-tier league resuming on an impressive note.
In other ThumbsUp league matches on the first day, hosts Cobbe Barracks beat Ndirande Stars 2-1 while Mwanza Stars registered an 2-1 away victory over Superfet FC.
Mangochi All Stars were held to a goalless draw by Nyambadwe United of Blantyre.
