Mayele Malango rocket fires Sacramento to victory in America

Malawian striker Mayele Malango returned to the scoring business for Sacramento Republic FC in the 1-0 victory over Oakland Roots FC in the United States League (USL) Championship on Sunday.

The Flames striker reacted the fastest outside the box to fire the ball into the roof of the net, beating Oakland Goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh in the 56th minute.

The Congolese-born forward was eventually substituted in the 73rd minute, with left-back Dominik Wanner taking his place as Republic FC held on to their lead.

56’ | MALANGOOO WHAT A STRIKE!!!#UltraMoment | @MichelobULTRA pic.twitter.com/Qf26mtBIsY

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) May 17, 2026

Mayele Malango and switch to Malawi

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

The 27-year-old attacker is among diaspora players Pasuwa has drafted into the squad to add depth, with the other inclusions being Nigeria-born Babatunde Adepoju and Ivory Coast-born Yann Kouakou.

Sacramento Republic FC tally

Sunday’s victory kept Republic FC in fifth place of the 12-member Group B of the USL Championship table with 13 points from eight games, three points behind the third-place Roots FC.

The Indomitable Club’s long road stretch continues next Saturday with an away game against San Antonio FC. The game will kick off at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on FOX40+ and ESPN+.