Malango grabs brace for America’s Sacramento Republic FC

Malawian Mayele Malango came off the bench to score a brace for Sacramento Republic FC in their 4-0 demolition of Spokane Velocity FC in America on Sunday.

The victory ensured Republic FC’s promising start to the United States League (USL) Cup campaign as they went top of Group 1.

The goal 🤩 The cele 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ezBcmIixxS

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 26, 2026

Tyler Wolff opened the floodgates with a fifth-minute strike before Arturo Rodriguez set up the Congolese-born striker Malango’s two second-half goals.

Michel Benitez sealed the maximum points with the final strike in the 81st minute. Ghanaian Forster Ajago from Ghana also featured for Republic FC.

How Mayele Malango scored twice

The Congolese-born striker outpaced his markers on the left wing before finally slotting the ball past the goalkeeper, thanks to a pass from Forster.

In adding his second goal of the game, Malango controlled a pass from the right wing in the box before volleying it into the net on the turn.

How many goals has Malango scored?

It was the 28-year-old’s first two goals for Republic FC this USL Cup campaign and his fifth career brace. Republic FC will return to the USL Cup action to face Oakland Roots FC on May 16, 2026.

The Malawian signed a two-year contract with Republic FC from Monterey Bay FC.

The Flames attacker scored five goals in 30 appearances for Monterey Bay last season and is among Sacramento Republic’s new arrivals, including the former Ghanaian youth international Ajago.

Capped five times and scorer of one goal for Malawi, the Kinshasa-born striker debuted for the Flames during a match against Namibia on November 5, 2025.

Malango is little-known in African football, but like his more popular counterpart, Fiston Mayele, he was also born in Kinshasa before relocating to Malawi as a refugee.

The 10 years that the Congolese player spent at the camp ignited a stronger connection with Malawi. After all, he has never represented the DR Congo at any level.