There was a touch of anxiety in the blue side of town, a sense of panic as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers faced giant-killers Panthers FC yesterday in the 2024 Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
But in the end, the Nomads ended the Central Region Football Association Chipiku Stores Premier Division side’s fairy-tale run of four penalty shootout wins against TNM Super League teams in the competition with a 3-0 victory.
After a goalless first half, there was anxiety in the Nomads camp with fresh memories of fellow TNM Super League sides Mafco FC, newly-crowned TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers, Chitipa United and Civil Service United’s nightmare at the hands of Panthers still fresh.
Then it came.
Striker Clement Nyondo, 2023 season’s TNM Super League top scorer while playing for Dedza Dynamos, drew first blood in the 57th minute, connecting home an Emmanuel Nyirenda well-curled cross.
Relief was all over the Nomads camp.
But knowing the Lilongwe-based rookies, the Nomads were not in the comfort zone yet until Blessings Singini struck the second.
Winger Gaddie Chirwa, returning from an injury, netted the third in the 88th minute.
It was game over.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira said it was a big win.
He said: “We were up against a side that has beaten a number of Super League teams and we knew it would not be easy.
“So, we are happy to be in the final, but it is a different task.”
Panthers team manager Andew Chiphwanya said they tried their best.
“Some of our players were injured which affected us. There were also intimidating incidents, but anyway we are proud pf our sensation run.
Wanderers will face winners of the second semi-final between holders FCB Nyasa Bullets and Mzuzu City Hammers, who meet tomorrow at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
