AU football action continues as men and women’s teams battle for dominance

By Innocent John Mumba

Football action at the Africa University Sports Grounds intensified over the weekend of January 31 and February 1, as the university’s football leagues continued, with male and female teams competing fiercely for supremacy and bragging rights. 

The men’s fixture saw Zimbabwe deliver a dominant 5–1 win over the Zambia–Malawi community in an entertaining contest. The match started at a fast pace, with the Zambia–Malawi side showing strong intent in the opening minutes. Their early pressure caused some concern for the Zimbabwean team, as they pushed forward and created a few threatening moments. However, Zimbabwe settled into the game and gradually took control, turning the match in their favour as the minutes went by.

Zimbabwean player Mufaro Chadya, a third-year student, praised both the competition and his team’s performance after the match.

“The game was really good, especially because we came out on top. In the early minutes, the Zambia–Malawi guys were pushing hard and proved to be a threat, but we managed to overturn that,” he said.

Chadya also highlighted teamwork as a key factor in their success.

“I loved the fact that my team was able to work together after all this time without playing as a team. In general, we really loved playing the game,” he added.

On the other side, Zambia–Malawi player Jackson Sichangwa admitted that while his team started well, they struggled to maintain their performance in the second half.

“The game was good. In the first half, we managed to defend well, but we lost it all in the second half and it did not go in our favour,” he said.

Sichangwa remained optimistic despite the heavy defeat, pointing out that the team is still finding its footing.

“Our team is new, and we believe we will do better in the next game,” Sichangwa, also doing third-year, said.

Meanwhile, the Africa University Women’s Soccer Tournament delivered an exciting display of talent, determination, and competitive spirit, treating fans to a series of thrilling matches. The atmosphere was electric as teams battled for pride and victory on the pitch.

In a closely contested encounter, WASA ladies put up a strong and disciplined performance but narrowly fell 1–0 to their Angola-Mozambique counterparts after an intense match marked by tactical play and resilience from both teams. Despite the loss, WASA demonstrated remarkable teamwork and defensive organization, earning respect from spectators and opponents alike.

In another gripping fixture, the Congolese team showed great composure and attacking intent, securing a 1–0 victory over the East African ladies. The match was fiercely competitive, with both teams creating chances, but it was the Congolese squad’s clinical finishing and solid defence that ultimately made the difference. 

Dotto Francis Roche, a student in the College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities, and Education, who played for the East African team said: “The game was incredible, we played hard and showed great teamwork, which made the experience truly enjoyable. There were a few wild moments, including a fall that left me injured, but overall, the game was an absolute blast and one I’ll always remember.”

The matches showcased competitive spirit and sportsmanship, setting an exciting tone for the ongoing Africa University Football League 2026 as teams continue to battle for dominance on the pitch.

 *The author, Mr Mumba, is a third-year English and Communication Studies student.