Silver Strikers forward Chinsisi Maonga stunned Mighty Wanderers with virtually the last kick of the game just when the Nomads thought three points were in the bag at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre yesterday.
A contest that failed to stir the passions of the turn-out suddenly exploded in the closing stages when Blessings Mwalilino broke the deadlock on the dot of regulation time following a comical goalkeeping error by the Bankers’ custodian George Chikooka, who had advanced in no man’s land.
With two Silver defenders breathing down his neck, Mwalilino did it to perfection with just a swing of his leg outside the 18-yard box to send the Nomads fans into frenzy.
Maonga’s free kick. | Bobby Kabango
On the other hand, Chikooka stood motionless with his head hang in disappointment.
It was not the first time for Maonga to score a last-gasp goal as he did the same against FCB Nyasa Bullets last season, which ended the People’s Team’s unbeaten run.
Three minutes later yesterday, the Bankers drew level from a dead ball situation and up stepped Maonga with a fabulous effort that gave Nomads’ goaltender Chancy Mtete no chance.
The whip, the dip were all faultless and relief was written all over Silver coach Peter Mgangira’s face.
The result ended the Nomads’ 100 percent record in the top flight this season.
They remain second with 13 points from five matches, but trail their rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets, whom they face this Saturday at the same venue, by five points.
Silver, who are the reigning champions, have dropped a place to 10th with eight points from five matches.
In an interview Mgangira, described it as a fair result.
He said: “It was a tough and exciting match, kudos to the boys. They fought to the very end.
“Wanderers dominated the first half while the second was fair. We never gave up hope when we conceded and we are satisfied to earn a point away against a strong side.”
His Nomads’ counterpart Bob Mpinganjira also hailed his charges for their fighting spirit although they conceded a late goal.
He said: “All in all, it was a good match. The boys played according to our game plan and they showed strong character.
“Both teams played top-notch football, but we have been let down by officiation. The referee awarded Silver a free-kick when there was no foul at all.”
In other games, a week after firing coach Andrew Bunya, PremierBet Dedza Dynamos edged Civil Service United 1-0 at Dedza Stadium courtesy of Chifuniro Mpinganjira’s 15th minute strike.
Creck Sporting Club, who also suspended their coach Joseph Kamwendo, also registered their second win after beating table anchors Songwe Border United 2-0.
Hardy Ng’andu and Hassan Hussein were on target for Creck.
