Frank Mojah Dzuwa
Unusual scene unfolded on Saturday 15th November 2025, during a Blantyre District First Capital Bank U-19 League match when Nyambadwe United shocked spectators at Kamuzu Stadium by fielding 12 players in the second half instead of the recommended 11 during their match against Manchester Motor Spares.
According to information gathered by Wa Ganyu, Nyambadwe United started the match with the normal 11 players. By halftime, Manchester Motor Spares were leading by three goals to nil.
However, when the second half kicked off, Nyambadwe United secretly introduced an extra player, increasing their number to 12 without the match officials noticing immediately.
Moments later, Nyambadwe pulled one goal back before quickly adding a second to make it 2-3 in favour of Motor Spares.
It took the alertness of the spectators, who shouted and notified the match officials, urging them to halt the game because Nyambadwe had 12 players on the pitch.
When the officials stopped the match to verify, they indeed discovered that Nyambadwe had an extra player.
The referees issued a red card to the ineligible player, but surprisingly did not cancel the goals the team had scored while using twelve players.
When play resumed, Nyambadwe United went on to score two more goals, eventually winning the match 4-3.
According to FIFA rules, several decisions may apply when a team scores while fielding extra players.
For example, Law 3 states that if the referee discovers an extra player immediately after a goal and before play restarts, the goal must be cancelled and the ineligible player must be removed.
However, if play has already restarted and only then the referee realises the infringement, the match must be stopped, the extra player removed, but the goals are allowed to stand. The referee must then submit a detailed report to the league authorities.
In most cases, a team found guilty of such an offence is deducted points and faces further disciplinary action. Match officials may also be sanctioned.
It remains unclear whether Manchester Motor Spares have officially lodged a complaint with the Blantyre District Youth Football Committee (BDYFC), which oversees the competition.
