Santos Football Academy hosted Jaghala F.C. at the Rumphi Police Ground on 28 December 2024, with kick-off at 7:30 am. The match concluded with a resounding 4-1 victory for the home side, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defensive structure.
Santos lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, a tactical setup designed to maximise width and fluidity in attack while maintaining a robust defensive line. World Mtambo took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Yotam Ng'ambi and Steve Paulo as right and left defenders respectively, with Crispin Ng'ambi and Joseph Kaonga forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Pheneas Banda operated on the right, Stain Nyirenda in the centre, and Precious Msowoya on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forwards. Up front, Russell Njikho and George Banda flanked striker Bryton Fabiano, who was tasked with leading the line and finishing chances.
The substitutes for Santos were not disclosed, but the starting eleven was more than capable of delivering a strong performance.
The match began with Santos asserting their dominance early on. In the 10th minute, Pheneas Banda opened the scoring with a well-placed shot inside the box, assisted by Precious Msowoya's short pass. This early goal set the tone for the home side, who continued to press forward.
Just nine minutes later, in the 19th minute, Bryton Fabiano doubled the lead with a stunning long-range strike, courtesy of a precise long pass from Pheneas Banda. The confidence was palpable as Santos took a commanding 2-0 lead.
As the first half progressed, Santos maintained control, but Jaghala struggled to find their rhythm. The half-time whistle blew with the score at 2-0, leaving Jaghala with much to ponder.
The second half began with Santos looking to extend their lead, and they did just that in the 35th minute when Pheneas Banda converted a penalty, striking with his right foot after a foul in the box. This goal marked his second of the match and further solidified Santos's dominance.
However, the match took a turn in the 40th minute when George Banda received a yellow card for violent conduct, a moment that briefly disrupted Santos's momentum. Just before the half concluded, Pheneas Banda also found himself cautioned for a bad tackle, adding a layer of tension to the proceedings.
The second half resumed with Santos still in control, and in the 55th minute, Bryton Fabiano netted his second goal of the match, tapping in from close range after a long pass from Russell Njikho. This goal pushed the score to 4-0, leaving Jaghala with a mountain to climb.
Jaghala finally found a response in the 58th minute when they scored inside the box with a right-footed effort, reducing the deficit to 4-1. Despite this late goal, it was too little, too late for the visitors, who struggled to keep pace with Santos's attacking flair throughout the match.
As the final whistle blew, Santos Football Academy celebrated a convincing 4-1 victory, a testament to their tactical execution and individual brilliance on the pitch. The result not only boosts their league standing but also serves as a significant confidence booster as they look ahead to future fixtures.
