Santos Football Academy welcomed Bitters Academy to the Rumphi Police Ground on 16 August 2025 for a league encounter that kicked off at 8:00 am. The home side delivered a commanding performance, securing a resounding 4-0 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the match.
Santos lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a robust defensive structure. World Mtambo occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four consisting of Levison Banda on the right, Mayamiko Bendala and Crispin Ng'ambi in central defence, and Haloon Saidi on the left. The midfield trio featured Pheneas Banda on the right, Stain Nyirenda in the centre, and Ethan Katenga on the left, while the forward line comprised Russell Njikho on the right, Edson Chimula as the central striker, and Kelvin Banda on the left. The substitutes included Precious Msowoya, who would later make an impactful appearance.
The match began with Santos asserting their dominance early on. In the 13th minute, a tactical substitution saw Precious Msowoya replace Ethan Katenga, a move that would soon pay dividends for the home side. Just nine minutes later, Santos were awarded a penalty, and Pheneas Banda stepped up to convert it with confidence, striking the ball with his right foot to put his team ahead.
As the first half progressed, Santos continued to apply pressure on the Bitters defence. In the 30th minute, Msowoya, who had only recently entered the fray, made an immediate impact by scoring with a powerful header, assisted by a precise cross from Kelvin Banda. This goal further solidified Santos's control of the match, leaving Bitters Academy struggling to respond.
The first half concluded with Santos leading 2-0, and the home side looked poised to extend their advantage in the second half. However, the match took a more physical turn after the break, with Mayamiko Bendala receiving a yellow card in the 61st minute for serious foul play, a moment that highlighted the increasing intensity of the contest.
Santos's attacking momentum did not wane, and in the 65th minute, Pheneas Banda struck again, scoring his second goal of the match. This time, he was assisted by Russell Njikho, who delivered a long pass that found Banda inside the box. Banda's right-footed shot showcased his clinical finishing ability, further extending the lead to 3-0.
Just moments later, Banda completed his hat-trick, tapping in a close-range effort, again assisted by Njikho, who provided a short pass that allowed Banda to find the net with ease. This quick succession of goals left Bitters Academy reeling, unable to mount any significant challenge as the match drew to a close.
With the final whistle, Santos Football Academy celebrated a comprehensive 4-0 victory, a result that not only highlighted their attacking flair but also their defensive resilience. The performance was a testament to their tactical discipline and individual brilliance, particularly from Pheneas Banda, who emerged as the standout player of the match.
