Songwe United Football Club have opened the second round of the NBS National Division League season in style, edging out Changalume Barracks 2-1 in an away fixture to consolidate their position at the summit of the table.

Changalume Barracks made the brighter start at home, taking the lead in the 13th minute through Ackim Mponda, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to beat the Songwe goalkeeper. The hosts held onto their advantage for the rest of the first half until Emmanuel Munthali levelled matters for Songwe in the 38th minute, sending the two sides into the break level at 1-1.

Songwe United emerged for the second half a transformed side, taking control of the game and piling pressure on the Changalume defence. Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Happy Mthunzi found the back of the net to put the visitors ahead for the first time in the match. Songwe held firm for the remainder of the encounter, seeing out the game to secure a 2-1 victory and all three points.

Speaking after the match, Songwe United coach Elias Chirambo said the team remains firmly focused on silverware and promotion.

“Our desire is to win this trophy. We want to return to the Super League,” Chirambo said.

Changalume Barracks coach Yamikani Masilika conceded that his side lacked composure in key moments of the match, but pledged to address the shortcomings.

“We lacked composure today, but we will work on the challenges the team is facing,” Masilika said.

The victory takes Songwe United to 28 points, extending their lead at the top of the NBS National Division League table. They are trailed by Extreme FC, who sit second on 25 points with a game in hand. Changalume Barracks, meanwhile, continue to struggle, languishing in 12th place with just 4 points from the season so far.

In other matches played over the weekend, Mighty Tigers were held to a 1-1 draw by Ndirande Stars, while Namitete Zitha claimed a convincing 4-2 win over Embangweni United.