Songwe Border United scored a penalty in the seventh minute of added time to beat fellow Northern Region side Embangweni United 2-1 at Karonga Stadium on Sunday, opening an eight-point lead at the top of the NBS Bank National Division League (NDL).

Dickson Mwangonde converted from the spot to complete Songwe’s comeback after the visitors had taken the lead in the first half.

The late penalty sparked protests from Embangweni players and officials, who questioned the referee’s decision to award the spot-kick for an alleged handball inside the box.

The victory takes Songwe to 35 points from 16 matches, eight ahead of second-placed Extreme FC, who have 27 points with two games in hand.

Embangweni remain fifth on 24 points after suffering their sixth defeat of the season.

Saviour Nkhoma put Embangweni ahead in the 29th minute, finishing off a James Banda assist to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Songwe struggled to create clear chances in the opening half, with Emmanuel Munthali coming close in the 17th minute, but his effort lacked the power to trouble the Embangweni goalkeeper.

The hosts returned from the break with more attacking intent and made three changes in the 53rd minute, bringing on Mwangonde, Mussa Aggrey and Christopher Chunga for Alan Msowoya, Victor Chirambo and Richard Cheyo.

The changes paid off in the 68th minute when Thomas Shabani converted a Mwiza Chiona assist to bring Songwe level.

Songwe continued pressing for a winner, but Mwangonde missed a good opportunity in the 78th minute after sending his effort wide, while Munthali also failed to find the target.

With the match heading for a draw, the hosts were awarded a penalty in the seventh minute of added time following an alleged handball inside the box.

Despite protests from Embangweni, Mwangonde kept his composure to convert the spot-kick and secure all three points for Songwe.

Aggrey was named Man of the Match.

Songwe assistant coach Edwin Kaonga said his team had struggled in the first half but improved after making changes.

“Our opponents dominated in the first half, but after I made some substitutions, the team came back into form. We managed to equalise and score the winning goal in the dying minutes,” he said.

Kaonga described the victory as important in their promotion campaign, saying collecting maximum points at home remained a priority.

“I am happy that we have collected three points, which was our main target. We always set ourselves the target of collecting maximum points in our home games.

“Supporters should continue supporting the team. The future of the team looks bright,” he added.

Embangweni coach Dan Lusale, meanwhile, expressed disappointment with the officiating, particularly the late penalty that cost his side a share of the points.

Lusale accused the match officials of favouring the hosts but said his team would put the defeat behind them and focus on its remaining league matches.

In another match played on Sunday, Ntaja United beat Ndirande Stars 1-0 at Vision Stadium.

Hussein Sanud scored the only goal in the 52nd minute after connecting with an Adam Alie assist.

The victory takes Ntaja to sixth position with 23 points from 16 matches, while Ndirande Stars remain ninth on 18 points.