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Nomads beat Silver to lift Standard Bank Cup

Wanderers played, officials and supporters celebrate the historic win
Wanderers played, officials and supporters celebrate the historic win

Mighty Wanderers FC yesterday clinched the prestigious Standard Bank Cup for the second year running after seeing off Silver Strikers 1-0 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

An own goal by midfielder Blessing Tembo seven minutes into the game was enough for Wanderers to win the cup for the third time, the best record so far in the history of the cup.

Captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr’s cross into Silver Strikers’ box found a panicking Tembo who cleared the ball into his own net, sending Wanderers fans into ecstasy.

The goal did not spur Silver to rise up to the occasion; instead, it was the Nomads who were a perpetual menace to the Bankers’ defence.

Victor Mpinganjira was on top of his game and was too slippery for Silver’s defence comprising Lucky Malata, Mabvuto Khozomwa and Dave Moya.

However, his efforts were not complemented by a passive Innocent Dzimbiri whom coach Stuart Mbolembole used as a lone striker.

A sole effort from Mpinganjira in the 15th minute was ably saved by an alert Charles Swini in Silver’s goal.

Manyozo, who was outstanding in Wanderers midfield, could have made it 2-0 in the 20th minute but his shot was superbly saved by Swini in a one-on-one situation.

He rounded off Malata and let out a grounder, but Swini sacrificed himself to dive in time to save his team.

Silver had two clear chances in the first half.

The first came through Green Harawa. He received a fine ball from Malata just a few metres into Wanderers territory.

He made a sole run, outpacing Bongani Kaipa and Idrissa Walesi, but his last touch went inches above the bar.

Frank Banda, who was not at his best, had a chance to level the scores 26 minutes into the game. Harawa fed him a great pass and an unmarked Banda shot wide with Wanderers defenders out of the picture.

Silver came into the second half with renewed purpose, but it was not enough to cause any threat to Wanderers’ defence.

The Bankers made several changes, removing Tembo for Jester Mulima, Lazarus Nyemera for Chawanangwa Kawonga and  Ndaziona Chatsalira for Sebastian Mhone but all their efforts yielded nothing.

Silver coach Stain Chirwa admitted that his side was never in the game.

“The early setback real did us in. We never recovered from that. Wanderers were really the better side and deserved to win. Now we will have to concentrate on the league,” he said.

Mbolembole expressed happiness for setting up another record.

“We have made another record by winning the trophy not only consecutively but also for the third time. It sure is a great day for us and our fans,” said Mbolembole.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu described the match as competitive.

“It was a great final and we all enjoyed it. Congratulations to the winners and Silver need not worry but make sure they come back next year stronger,” said Nyamilandu.

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