FOMO clip Tigers’ claws to climb fourth in NBS Bank NDL

By Thumbiko Nyirongo

FOMO FC moved into fourth position on the NBS Bank National Division League table after beating Mighty Tigers 2-1 at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre on Friday, with coach Ntchindi Mhango expressing confidence that his side can secure promotion to the elite league.

The Mulanje-based side scored through McPhen Ndolo and Sebastian Chisomba to collect maximum points, extending their winning run to four consecutive matches in the league.

Ndolo opened the scoring in the 30th minute when he connected with James Msowoya’s free-kick, before Chisomba doubled the visitors’ lead from the penalty spot in the 55th minute after a Mighty Tigers player handled the ball inside the box.

Mighty Tigers pulled one back in the 82nd minute through Kondwani Langa, who unleashed a long-range strike, but FOMO held on to secure the victory.

FOMO coach Mhango said his team had prepared well for the encounter, despite the challenge of playing away from home.

He said his instructions to the players helped them secure the three points, adding that the team remained focused on its ambition of earning promotion to the elite league.

Mhango expressed confidence that FOMO could continue winning its remaining matches as it pushes to finish among the leading teams.

On the other side, Mighty Tigers coach Mavuto Lungu attributed the defeat to his players’ failure to convert scoring opportunities, insisting that the match was not particularly difficult.

“It was not a tough game, but we have lost because we failed to convert chances into goals. All in all, we have accepted defeat. One game at a time; we will focus on the next game,” Lungu said.

The result leaves FOMO fourth on the log with 24 points from 15 matches, according to the updated standings, while Mighty Tigers remain 10th with 14 points from 15 games.

FOMO’s victory strengthens its position among the teams chasing promotion, while Tigers will need to improve their finishing if they are to climb the table.

Songwe Border United remain top of the standings with 32 points from 15 matches, followed by Extreme FC on 26 points from 13 games and Mzuzu City Hammers on 25 points from 14 matches.

FOMO’s move to fourth puts pressure on the teams above them, particularly Mzuzu City Hammers, who have a game in hand.

A victory for Hammers would take them to 28 points and extend their advantage over FOMO, while a defeat would leave them on 25 points.

League action continues on Saturday when Embangweni United face Mzuzu City Hammers, a fixture that could have a direct impact on the upper half of the table.

Embangweni, who have 23 points from 14 matches, could move level on points with FOMO if they win, although their final position would depend on the results and goal difference of the teams around them.

For Mzuzu City Hammers, victory would lift them to 28 points and strengthen their challenge for the top positions, while a draw would take them to 26 points.

At the bottom of the table, Changalume Barracks remain in 12th position with four points from 13 matches, as the battle for survival continues.