Ekhaya FC make the trip to Chitowe Stadium this Sunday afternoon looking to extend their impressive start to the second round of the FDH Bank Premiership when they face a struggling Mafco FC side battling to escape the relegation zone.
With both sides chasing contrasting objectives, there is plenty at stake in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Form Guide
Mafco FC have endured a difficult campaign, registering just three wins from their 18 league matches, all of which have come on home soil.
The hosts head into Sunday’s encounter on a five-match winless run, during which they have managed just one goal, highlighting their struggles in front of goal.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have found renewed momentum since the start of the second round. Having endured an inconsistent first half of the campaign, Ekhaya are unbeaten in their opening three second-round fixtures, recording two wins and a draw, scoring four goals and conceding just once.
With six victories already to their name, the visitors will be targeting a seventh league win as they look to maintain their upward trajectory.
Head-to-Head
Sunday’s encounter will be the fourth meeting between the two sides.
Ekhaya currently hold the upper hand, having claimed two victories against Mafco’s one. The Cowboys’ first victory came through a Clever Chikwata strike in the 68th minute, securing a 1-0 home win at Kamuzu Stadium. Mafco fc responded with a 2-1 victory at their former home, Champion Stadium, before Ekhaya restored their advantage with another 1-0 triumph in the first round this season.
Now, the rivalry shifts to Chitowe, where both sides have plenty to fight for. A victory could propel The Cowboys into the top five, while three points for Mafco would offer a much-needed lifeline in their battle against relegation.
From the Dugout
Interim Head Coach Fundi Akidu heads into his fourth match in charge, looking to maintain the positive momentum he has brought to the side.
Having overseen four wins in his first six FDH Bank Premiership matches in charge, Akidu views Sunday’s assignment as another crucial opportunity to strengthen the club’s position and make the push for a strong finish to the campaign more achievable.
TEAM NEWS
Ekhaya FC will be without Levie Mnyenyembe and Christopher Kumwembe for Sunday’s trip to Chitowe.
Mnyenyembe is sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to be out for approximately two weeks, while Kumwembe faces a longer spell on the sidelines after sustaining a leg fracture, with an estimated recovery period of eight weeks.
There are, however, no suspension concerns for The Cowboys heading into the encounter.
Match Officials
Idrissa Matola will take charge of Sunday’s encounter as the centre referee. He will be assisted by Jonas Yonas and Charity Zenus, while Rodrick Kapatamoyo has been appointed as the fourth official. Simon Jovinala will serve as the Match Assessor.
Matchday Access
* Open Stand – K4,000
* Covered Stand – K5,000
* VIP – K7,000
How to Watch
Follow the action live on FIFA+ and stay connected through Ekhaya FC’s official digital platforms for match updates, highlights and exclusive coverage.
