In a gripping encounter at The Lusaka Club on 15 February 2025, Real Madrinks faced off against Millennium Challenge in a league home match that ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat for the hosts. The match kicked off at 12:00pm, with both teams eager to secure vital points in the league standings.
Real Madrinks lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, designed to bolster their midfield presence while allowing for a lone striker to lead the attack. Vincent Kidiaba took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Smart Kasongo on the right, Jala Pensulo and Isaac Chipwatanga in central defence, and Chris Sichinga on the left. The midfield was packed with Brandon Imaata and Desmond Mngawa operating as right and left midfielders respectively, while Nelson Phiri, Yokonia Ngoma, and Nimrod Simuchimba formed a strong central trio. Micheal Mukuka was tasked with spearheading the attack as the lone striker.
The substitutes for Real Madrinks included Mwenya Hudson, Nason Bwalya, Killian Pensulo, Lawrence Mambwe, Leonard Banda, and Phineas Muleya, providing depth and tactical options for the manager throughout the match.
The first half saw Real Madrinks struggle to find their rhythm, but they managed to hold their opponents at bay until the 38th minute when disaster struck. Yokonia Ngoma was forced off due to injury, making way for Mwenya Hudson, a substitution that would alter the dynamics of the midfield. The half concluded with the score still level, but the hosts were left to ponder the impact of the injury.
As the second half commenced, Real Madrinks made a tactical change, bringing on Nason Bwalya for Jala Pensulo just two minutes after the restart. This substitution aimed to strengthen their defensive line and maintain stability as they sought to regain control of the match.
However, the hosts continued to face challenges in the midfield, leading to further changes. In the 60th minute, Killian Pensulo replaced Nimrod Simuchimba, adding fresh legs to the midfield in hopes of creating more attacking opportunities. The pressure mounted as Real Madrinks sought to break the deadlock, but they were unable to convert their chances.
In the 69th minute, Lawrence Mambwe came on for Micheal Mukuka, as the team looked to inject more energy into their forward play. Despite their efforts, the breakthrough remained elusive, and the match began to slip away from them.
As the game approached its final stages, Real Madrinks made another substitution in the 82nd minute, with Leonard Banda replacing Chris Sichinga. The hosts were desperate to find a way back into the match, but their hopes were dashed when Millennium Challenge struck first in the 85th minute, scoring from close range to take a 1-0 lead.
With time running out, Real Madrinks pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their efforts were thwarted. In the dying moments of the match, Millennium Challenge sealed their victory with a second goal in the 90th minute, a stunning strike from outside the box that found the back of the net via the right foot of the scorer.
In the final minutes, Phineas Muleya was introduced for Desmond Mngawa, but it was too late to change the outcome. Real Madrinks were left to reflect on a match that slipped away in the closing stages, as Millennium Challenge celebrated a well-earned victory.
