Blue Eagles Edge MAFCo 1-0 In Tense Cup Clash

On 4 January 2026, Blue Eagles Football Club travelled to Champions Stadium to face Mafco Football Club in a tightly contested cup away match that kicked off at 2:30pm. The encounter lasted 92 minutes including added time, with Blue Eagles emerging victorious by a narrow 1-0 margin. The solitary goal proved decisive in a game marked by tactical discipline and moments of intensity.

Blue Eagles lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying Precious Masamba in goal. The defensive line consisted of Davie Malenguka at right back, Bennet Konyo and Ganizani James as central defenders, and Maxwell Gustavo on the left flank. Gilbert Chirwa operated as the lone holding midfielder, tasked with shielding the back four and recycling possession. Ahead of him, John Banda took up the right attacking midfield role while Micium Mhone occupied the left attacking midfield position, both expected to link play and support the front three. The forward line featured Andrew Mapemba on the right wing, Tonic Viyuyi as the central striker, and Pius Saka on the left wing, all charged with providing width, pace, and goal threat. On the bench were Chikondi Mvula, Chikumbutso Bello, and Lanken Mwale, ready to be called upon as tactical options.

The match burst into life early on when Blue Eagles took the lead in the 10th minute. Bennet Konyo, stationed at centre back, launched a precise long pass forward that found Pius Saka on the left wing. Saka controlled the ball expertly before unleashing a stunning volley that flew past the Mafco goalkeeper, giving Blue Eagles an early advantage. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the match, with Blue Eagles keen to maintain their slender lead.

As the first half progressed, Mafco grew into the game and sought to break down the disciplined Blue Eagles defence. Their efforts were met with resilience, though a yellow card was shown to a Mafco player in the 39th minute for a bad tackle, reflecting the physical nature of the contest. Just before the interval, Andrew Mapemba received a yellow card for dissent, indicating rising tensions as the teams prepared to head into the break.

At half time, Blue Eagles held their 1-0 lead and looked to consolidate their advantage in the second period. The tactical setup demanded that Gilbert Chirwa continue to anchor midfield while the attacking midfielders and forwards pressed to create openings.

The second half saw Blue Eagles make their first substitution in the 57th minute, with Chikondi Mvula replacing Andrew Mapemba in a tactical switch aimed at freshening the right wing. Thirteen minutes later, Chikumbutso Bello came on for Micium Mhone, another tactical change designed to inject energy into the left attacking midfield role. As the match wore on, Blue Eagles remained compact and disciplined, frustrating Mafco’s attempts to find an equaliser.

In the final moments, with the clock ticking past the 90th minute, Blue Eagles made a final tactical substitution, bringing on Lanken Mwale for the goal scorer Pius Saka. This move was likely intended to shore up the defence and see out the victory.

Throughout the match, Precious Masamba’s goalkeeping provided a reliable last line of defence, while the back four, marshalled by Bennet Konyo and Ganizani James, kept Mafco at bay. The midfield duo of Gilbert Chirwa and the attacking midfielders worked tirelessly to control the tempo and supply the forwards. Pius Saka’s early volley was the defining moment, earning him the player of the match accolade for his decisive contribution.

In a game where chances were limited and the margin for error slim, Blue Eagles’ tactical discipline and clinical finishing proved enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory away from home, advancing them further in the cup competition.