Epac, Nomads in stalemate
Stoppage time equaliser by substitute Michael Chilalika saved Mighty Wanderers from the jaws of defeat at the hands of a strong-willed Epac FC on Sunday in a TNM Super League encounter which ended in a 1-1 draw at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
In Zomba, Moyale Barracks finished their fruitful weekend in the Southern Region when they collected six points following a 3-0 win over Blantyre-based Evirom FC.
This means Wanderers now have 42 points from 26 games whereas Moyale (27 games) have tied with Silver Strikers (26 games) on 47 points.
However, Moyale have a superior goal difference over the Bankers and are second on the log table from league leaders Mafco (48 points).
The match in Zomba started 30 minutes late due to a downpour and had some dramatic moments too. Both teams started the game with one player outside the field of play for unknown reasons.
Mike Kaziputa for Wanderers and Jafali Chande for Epac came in eight minutes later.
Epac scored first through the league’s current leading goalscorer Ishmail Thindwa, who headed the ball past Richard Chipuwa in goals after Mussa Manyenje had done the spadework on the right.
Despite playing well, the Nomads fluffed numerous scoring opportunities. Epac’s goal custodian Tione Tembo made some telling saves which denied the visitors an equaliser.
Nonetheless, technical substitutions by Nomads coach Stuart Mbolembole in the second-half paid dividends. Kondwani Kumwenda came in for Benard Harawa whereas Chilalika replaced Innocent Dzimbiri.
Four minutes into stoppage time, Chilalika collected the ball from Kumwenda to cancel Epac’s lead to the relief of Wanderers’ faithful.
At the Zomba Community Centre ground, Chamveka Gwetsani netted a cracking goal in the eighth minute which could contest for goal of the season. He rifled first-time connection from a well-taken cross on the right by Gastin Simkonda.
In the 67th minute, Steven Mkandawire made a run on the right and released a low cross which Mayamiko Kalima deflected into his own net for the second goal of the match. Nine minutes from full-time Simkonda headed the ball past Evirom goalkeeper Blessings Kameza for the third goal.
