Blue Eagles Edge Mighty Tigers With Late Header At Nankhaka

Blue Eagles Football Club hosted Mighty Tigers at Nankhaka Stadium on 24 December 2025, kicking off at 2:30pm in a crucial league encounter. The home side secured a narrow 1-0 victory after a tense 90 minutes plus added time, thanks to a dramatic late goal.

Blue Eagles lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying a solid defensive unit and a dynamic attacking trio. Precious Masamba guarded the goal, supported by a back four comprising Trouble Banda at right back, Bennet Konyo and Ganizani James as central defenders, and Maxwell Gustavo on the left. Gilbert Chirwa operated as the lone holding midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of him, John Banda occupied the right attacking midfield role while Webster Nzunda took up the left attacking midfield position, both expected to link play and create chances. The front three consisted of Pius Saka on the right wing, Tonic Viyuyi leading the line as striker, and Laurent Banda on the left wing, all charged with stretching the opposition defence and converting opportunities.

On the bench, Blue Eagles had Ajussa Kalowa, Micium Mhone, Lanken Mwale, and Chikondi Mvula available for substitutions.

The first half saw both sides probing cautiously, with Blue Eagles maintaining a compact shape and seeking to control possession through Chirwa’s midfield presence. Despite some promising moves down the flanks, neither team could break the deadlock before the interval.

Shortly after the restart, Blue Eagles were forced into a change at 66 minutes when Maxwell Gustavo went off injured, replaced by Ajussa Kalowa who slotted into the left-back position. Four minutes later, a tactical switch saw Micium Mhone come on for Pius Saka, signalling a shift in attacking strategy.

As the match wore on, Blue Eagles continued to press for a breakthrough but were met with resolute defending from Mighty Tigers. At 85 minutes, two further tactical substitutions were made: Lanken Mwale replaced John Banda on the right attacking midfield, while Chikondi Mvula came on for Laurent Banda on the left wing, injecting fresh energy into the forward line.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time at 92 minutes. Chikondi Mvula delivered a precise cross into the box, where Lanken Mwale rose highest to power a close-range header past the goalkeeper, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home supporters. This late strike proved to be the match-winner, securing all three points for Blue Eagles.

Webster Nzunda was named player of the match for his influential role on the left flank, consistently creating chances and linking play throughout the contest.

The referee’s performance was steady but unremarkable, overseeing a tightly contested game attended by 100 spectators. Blue Eagles will take great confidence from this hard-fought victory as they look ahead to their next fixtures.