Mzuzu City Hammers have moved to the second place in the NBS Bank National Division League after a 0-0 draw against Embangweni United at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday.

They now have 26 points from 14 games, but they are tied with Extreme FC who have a lesser goal difference than the later.

In the game, Hammers started the game on a high note by making several attempts, but clinically they were not in touch.

For instance, in the 7th minute, Chrispin Mankhambera nearly scored through a header, but it was saved by the opposing keeper, Khwima Kita.

Later, Precious Phiri had his shot struck against the post in the 20th minute and it was cleared by Embangweni’s defence.

In the second half, Embangweni threatened early as Isaac Ngulube tried a shot from long distance but it was saved by Mzuzu’s keeper, Innocent Kamwambi.

But late in the second half, Hammers regained control but the finishing was not topnotch.

In the 70th minute, Yasin Rashid tried to assist his teammates with a cross, but it never reached any offensive players to lead to a goal kick.

Again, in the 89th minute, Philip Mtika for headed towards goal, but it was cleared near the line.

At the end of the added minutes in injury time, Embangweni’s Mumbo Banda was awarded as the man of the match.

For Embangweni, they remain 5th with 24 points tied with FOMO FC who are above but they are lesser on goals.

Coach for Hammers, Chisomo Kamlanje, said the game was challenging because they were playing against their city rivals.

“The game was tough but they (the players) did not do enough. The team did not play their usual game. We are still hopefully we will do well in our upcoming game, against Extreme FC, and we will do our mathematics well to win it,” Kamlanje said.

Coach for Embangweni, Dan Lusale, said their opponents prepared well for the game, despite them creating more chances, which they failed to convert into a goal.

“We could have scored three or four goals, unfortunately we never managed to get a goal. We needed a win, it was a must win game that we needed to push higher on the log table,” Lusale said.

Next up is Ndirande Stars against Changalume Barracks on 21 October at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.