Nomads mauled
The sight of Moyale Barracks turning Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre into a theatre of celebrations was a wonder to behold yesterday. The Lions of Kaningína beat Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 2-1 to end their four-match winning streak in the TNM Super League.
It was the first defeat for the Nomads’ interim head coach Meck Mwase and he, alongside hundreds of Nomads faithful could not help, but watch starry-eyed as the Mzuzu-based soldiers celebrated the victory with a parade.
The Malawi Defence Force side drew first blood in the 40th minute through Emmanuel Allan’s fabulous shot that gave Nomads’ goal tender Richard Chipuwa not a prayer.
After the first half, both teams rung changes, but it was the Nomads who created a plethora of chances, but failed to make them count with Christopher Kumwembe the notable culprit.
As time ticked on, desperation took a toll on the Nomads and they levelled scores in the third minute of added time through a beauty from Isaac ‘Tcheya’ Kaliyati’s free-kick from the edge of the box.
But just when the Nomads felt they had escaped defeat, there was to be a sting in the tail two minutes later.
Luke Chima, who was named man-of-the-match, struck the winner from a well-curled corner kick with a sharp header and it was game over!
Despite the loss, the Nomads remain second with 21 points from 12 matches, eight points behind leaders Silver Strikers, who have a game in hand.
On the other hand, Moyale are sixth with 17 points from 12 matches.
Mwase said it was one of those bad days for his charges.
“It was a good game, we created several scoring chances, but we couldn’t score. That was the only challenge and it happens in football when the odds are just stacked against you,” he said.
On his part, Moyale coach Pritchard Mwansa said they were happy to bag full points away.
“It’s not easy and it means a lot as we are coming from two defeats, we still have a lot of work to do though,” he said.
In other games, Mafco FC came from two goals down to beat Mighty Tigers 3-2, Creck Sporting Club edged Bangwe All Stars 1-0 while Karonga United thumped Fomo FC 3-0.
