Blue Eagles Edge MAFCo 2-1 In Tense Champions Stadium Clash

Blue Eagles Football Club travelled to Champions Stadium on 19 November 2025 for a 2:30pm kick-off against Mafco Football Club in a crucial league away fixture. The match unfolded over 90 minutes plus added time, with Blue Eagles securing a narrow 2-1 victory in front of a modest crowd of 100 spectators.

Deploying a 4-1-2-3 formation, Blue Eagles set up with Precious Masamba guarding the goal. The defensive line featured Trouble Banda at right back, Ganizani James and Jacob Robert as central defenders, and Maxwell Gustavo on the left. Checkson Aliz operated as the lone holding midfielder, shielding the back four. Ahead of him, John Banda took up the right attacking midfield role, with Gilbert Chirwa on the left. The front three consisted of Laurent Banda on the right wing, Tonic Viyuyi leading the line as striker, and Pius Saka on the left forward position. The substitutes named were Webster Nzunda, Lanken Mwale, and Chikumbutso Bello.

Blue Eagles began the match with clear intent to control possession and utilise their wide attackers to stretch Mafco’s defence. The defensive quartet was expected to maintain solidity, while Checkson Aliz’s role was pivotal in breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball forward. John Banda and Gilbert Chirwa were tasked with creating chances from the flanks, feeding the front three who were expected to press high and convert opportunities.

The breakthrough came just before half-time when Jacob Robert rose to the occasion. At the 40th minute, Tonic Viyuyi delivered a clever flick assist inside the box, allowing Robert to volley home with his right foot from close range. This goal was a testament to Blue Eagles’ attacking fluidity and Robert’s composure in the penalty area. The teams went into the break with Blue Eagles leading 1-0.

After the interval, the visitors continued to press for a second goal. Their efforts were rewarded in the 68th minute when Gilbert Chirwa swung in a precise cross from the left flank. Tonic Viyuyi met the ball with a powerful header from outside the box, doubling Blue Eagles’ advantage and demonstrating his aerial prowess. This goal further cemented Viyuyi’s influence on the game and his eventual recognition as player of the match.

As the match progressed into the final quarter, tactical substitutions were introduced to maintain the team’s momentum. At 80 minutes, Webster Nzunda replaced John Banda in a bid to refresh the right attacking midfield position. Shortly after, in the 88th minute, Lanken Mwale and Chikumbutso Bello came on for Tonic Viyuyi and Laurent Banda respectively, signalling a strategic shift to preserve the lead and inject energy into the side.

Despite Blue Eagles’ control, Mafco pulled one back deep into injury time at the 92nd minute. Their goal came from outside the box, struck with the right foot, reducing the deficit and adding late drama to the encounter. However, Blue Eagles’ defence held firm in the dying moments to secure the valuable three points.

This victory at Champions Stadium was a hard-fought success for Blue Eagles Football Club, showcasing their tactical discipline and attacking threat. The 4-1-2-3 formation allowed them to balance defensive stability with offensive creativity, with Tonic Viyuyi’s contributions proving decisive. The tactical substitutions late in the game helped manage the lead effectively, ensuring a memorable away win against Mafco.