Nomads back on top
Be Forward Wanderers have moved to the top of TNM Super League table after edging Civil Sporting Club 1-0 yesterday in tightly contested match played at Civo Stadium.
Left back Francis Mlimbika’s goal was enough to seal the much needed win that, as a matter of consequence, has left Civil on the brink of a crisis.
The Nomads lead the pack with 19 points level with TN Stars but have a much superior goal difference. Blue Eagles are third while Kamuzu Barracks are fourth. They both have 17 points and a goal difference of four but Eagles have scored more goals.
“It was a tough match because Civil were more physical. It feels good to be top,” said a visibly relieved Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira.
It did not take long for Wanderers to settle into the match. On the 10th minute, they won a free-kick a few metres from the 18-yard box.
A composed Francis Mlimbika stepped up and cleanly beat Civil’s goalkeeper Blessings Kameza.
The hosts instantly went on a rampage hunting for the equaliser.
Their only chance though arrived in the half hour mark when a flying cross landed on forward Raphael Phiri but he directed his header off target.
As the battle progressed, there were no clear cut scoring chances as both sides run out of fire.
The second-half, for Wanderers, was all about preserving the lead while Civil chased the match.
Civil’s rythm cooling off was also much to do with Wanderers midfielders Felix Zulu and Alfred Manyozo growing more into the game as they broke down play with relentless tackles.
With utmost strictness, they policed their opposite numbers Dan Kumwenda and Timothy Chitedze and froze all their creative abilities.
The loss is a fifth straight defeat for Civil who now stagger on position 12 with nine points from eight matches.
Their coach Franco Ndawa was at a loss to explain the reason behind the string of poor results.
“It is part of the game,” he said, “It is painful to the team though, because we played well today.”
In the other TNM Super League encounter, Savenda Chitipa United held Mighty Tigers one-all at Mulanje Stadium.
The Northern Region-based outfit has collected two points from their away trip to the Southern Region after holding Nyasa Big Bullets on Saturday.
