FOMO eye promotion, Bangwe fight survival after stalemate in NBS Bank NDL

By Thumbiko Nyirongo

FOMO FC are keeping their promotion ambitions alive, while Bangwe All Stars face an increasingly difficult fight to avoid relegation after the two sides played out a goalless draw in the NBS Bank National Division League at Mulanje Park Stadium on Saturday.

The result leaves FOMO fourth on the log table with 25 points from 16 matches, while Bangwe remain 11th with 10 points from the same number of games.

Speaking after the match, FOMO head coach Ntchindi Mhango expressed disappointment at dropping two points at home but said his team would now focus on collecting maximum points in its remaining fixtures.

“It was a tough game. We have lost two points. It was difficult playing against a team from the same region because we know each other’s game plans,” said Mhango.

For Bangwe, the priority is different, with assistant coach Jimmy Botoman admitting that his side must win its remaining games to stand a chance of retaining its place in the league.

“We tried our best. We are not in a good position right now. We need to win the remaining games to remain in the league,” said Botoman.

Bangwe have managed just two wins and four draws in 16 matches, suffering 10 defeats in the process.

They are six points above bottom-placed Changalume Barracks, who have four points from 14 games.

Mighty Tigers, who have 14 points, are also among the teams fighting to move away from the relegation zone.

FOMO went into Saturday’s encounter hoping to strengthen their position in the top four, but struggled to break down a determined Bangwe side.

The match, which kicked off at 3pm under hot conditions, saw FOMO enjoy periods of pressure, particularly in the opening stages, but Bangwe remained organised defensively.

The first half produced few clear-cut chances, with Bangwe’s first corner coming in the 29th minute before being comfortably dealt with by the FOMO defence.

FOMO came close to breaking the deadlock in the 49th minute, shortly after the restart, but the Bangwe goalkeeper produced an important save.

Another opportunity went begging in the 64th minute as the hosts continued pressing for a winner.

Both coaches made changes in search of a breakthrough, but neither side managed to find the net before the final whistle.

FOMO’s James Msowoya was named Man of the Match.

At the top of the standings, Songwe Border United continue to lead with 32 points from 15 matches, followed by Extreme FC on 27 points from 14 games.

Mzuzu City Hammers are third with 26 points, while FOMO occupy fourth position with 25 points.

Embangweni United have dropped to fifth with 24 points, followed by Chilobwe United on 22 points.

Songwe will be looking to consolidate their lead when they face Embangweni United at Karonga Stadium on Sunday, November 1.

The match will also be important for Embangweni, who will be looking to close the gap on the leading teams and strengthen their top-four ambitions.

Meanwhile, Ntaja United, who have 20 points, face Ndirande Stars, on 18 points, at Vision Stadium.

Next weekend, attention will turn to the meeting between second-placed Extreme FC and third-placed Mzuzu City Hammers at Rumphi Stadium on November 7.

The two sides are separated by just one point, making the encounter important in the race for the top positions.

On the same day, Chilobwe United travel to Zomba Stadium to face bottom-placed Changalume Barracks, while Namitete Zitha meet Mighty Tigers at Aubrey Dimba Stadium on November 8.