Nomads drop to 3rd
Financially struggling Mighty Wakawaka Tigers yesterday proved that it is not all about money when they held big spending Mighty Mukuru Wanderers to a one-all draw at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre in a TNM Super League match.
It was the first time for the Nomads to drop points this season after three straight wins.
Though tied on 10 points with their fierce rivals and leaders FCB Nyasa Bullets and second-placed Silver Strikers, who came from a goal down to beat Ekwendeni Hammers 1-3, the Lali Lubani Road outfit has dropped to third position on goal aggregate.
During a weekend that saw four teams, namely Blue Eagles, Red Lions, Bangwe All Stars and Kamuzu Barracks registering their first wins, Wanderers were left frustrated by a strong-willed Tigers who defended every inch of the way.
Ironically, both teams scored from penalties.
After a goalless first half, the Nomads were awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute when Tigers’ Wally Gondwe was adjudged to have fouled striker Christopher Kumwembe and up stepped Stanely Sanudi to covert the spot-kick with ease.
But five minutes later, the Kau-Kau Boys levelled the scores through Precious Chiodza from a spot-kick.
Much as the Nomads tried to snatch a winner, they were frustrated by Tigers who stood firm in defence.
In a post-match interview, Wanderers coach Mark Harrison said it was a contest his team would have easily won had they ultilised their chances.
He said: “We had so much possession and chances, Tigers didn’t even have one attempt at goal apart from the penalty.
“We had total domination, but that’s the price you pay for terrible wastage. We just couldn’t take our chances.”
On his part, Tigers gaffer Christopher Nyambose hailed his charges for playing according to instructions.
“We knew they would be desperate, but we had a good plan to frustrate them and in the end, it worked,” he said.
Tigers are seventh with five points from four matches, having won one, drawn twice and lost once.
Rookies Bangwe All Stars registered their first win after beating Karonga United 2-1 away.
The newly-promoted side from Bangwe Township-in Blantyre are fourth with six points from four matches, having drawn their first three matches.
They are yet to taste defeat. But it was not all rosy for another newly-promoted side Extreme FC from Mchinji who lost 1-4 to Kamuzu Barracks.
At Mzuzu Stadium, Ekwendeni took the lead through Mphatso Magaleta in the seventh minute through a header from a corner-kick.
Silver pulled level in the 59th minute before Patrick Macheso added the second in the 75th minute. Veteran forward Atusaye Nyondo scored the third for the Central Bankers in the 80th minute.
