07/17/2026
Super Sub Cosmas Fires Mchinji Villa to First Victory, Ends Kalembelembe's Unbeaten Run in GOJET League one
By Edwin Mbewe
Substitute Dominic Cosmas emerged as the hero as Mchinji Villa FC claimed their first victory of the 2026 GOJET Investments League One season with a thrilling 2-1 triumph over previously unbeaten Kalembelembe FC at Mchinji Mini Stadium on Wednesday.
The hard-fought victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the home supporters, who watched Villa not only secure maximum points but also climb from eighth to fourth place on the 16-team table with five points from three matches.
Driven by the home crowd, Villa came out firing from the opening whistle and were rewarded in the 14th minute.
Bright Ngonga calmly converted from the penalty spot after Kalembelembe defender Issa Mzaliwa handled the ball inside the area, sending the home fans into wild celebrations.
The joy, however, was short-lived.
Just two minutes later, Kalembelembe silenced the stadium when David Mwene unleashed a stunning long-range strike that flew beyond the goalkeeper to level the scores at 1-1.
The equaliser transformed the contest into an end-to-end battle, with both sides pushing relentlessly for the decisive breakthrough. Kalembelembe almost completed the comeback in the 37th minute, but Mwene narrowly missed the target with another ambitious effort.
As tensions rose before halftime, Villa's Centala Maliseni was shown a yellow card for kicking the ball away after the referee had blown the whistle, as the teams headed into the break deadlocked at 1-1.
Villa returned for the second half determined to wrestle back control. Coach responded with tactical changes, introducing Dominic Cosmas for the injured Maliseni and Stephano George for Brian Kandodo.
The intensity continued to rise. Hollace Banda was booked in the 47th minute for bringing down Aspria Dennis before Kalembelembe's Iddi Masudi received a yellow card eight minutes later for a reckless challenge on Michael Ng'oma.
With both teams searching desperately for a winner, it was Cosmas who delivered the decisive moment.
In the 65th minute, the substitute pounced to restore Villa's lead, sending Mchinji Mini Stadium into raptures as jubilant supporters celebrated what proved to be the match-winning goal.
Sensing the game slipping away, Kalembelembe threw everything forward, introducing Bright Chasalira, Lesson Banda and Amuri Jonas Habe in a triple substitution to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Despite mounting pressure in the closing stages, Villa's defence stood firm, frustrating every attempt by the visitors to find a second equaliser before the final whistle confirmed a memorable 2-1 victory.
The result was significant on several fronts. It marked Villa's first win after opening the campaign with draws against Mchinji Boma Strikers (0-0) and Silver Strikers Reserve FC (1-1).
It also propelled the club into fourth place on the standings, overtaking Silver Strikers Reserve on the table.
For Kalembelembe, the defeat brought an abrupt end to their unbeaten start to the season, although they remain third with six points.
Defending champions Blue Eagles Reserve FC continue to lead the MK50 million GOJET Investments League One standings with six points from two matches.
Mponela United FC and Kalembelembe are also on six points, but the Area 30 outfit remain at the summit after making a flawless start to their title defence.
Weekend fixtures on 19th July 2026, Silver Strikers Reserve host leaders Blue Eagles Reserve FC at ADL ground, Mchinji Villa play against Manzo Chisomo at Mchinji Mini Stadium, Santhe ADMARC host TN Stars at Chaima as LUANAR host Armour Battalion FC.
