Nomads reach Castel Cup semis
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers kept their silverware hopes on the boil when they beat Mzuzu-based Moyale Barracks 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday to reach the semi-finals of the K330 million Castel Challenge Cup.
The Nomads will face winners between their fierce rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets and Ekwendeni Hammers of Mzimba District and the most sought-after fixture on the domestic scene could once again be on the cards.
The semi-final draw was held at half-time and Bangwe All Stars of Blantyre will face winners between Lilongwe teams Blue Eagles and Silver Strikers.
Fresh from their Airtel Top 8 controversy in which they snubbed the quarter-final second leg fixture against Silver Strikers on Wednesday, the Lali Lubani Road outfit turned on a vintage show on Sunday in which they were two up by the interval courtesy of striker Misheck Botomani’s brace.
The forward scored the two goals within a space of three minutes in a first half blitz which had the Lions of Kaning’ina gasping for air.
He drew first blood in the 42nd minute when his sharp header from captain Stanley Sanudi’s well-curled corner kick gave Semeon Harawa no chance.
As the Nomads fans were still on cloud nine celebrating the goal, the pint-sized forward, who was named man-of-the-match, doubled the lead after being put through by Wisdom Mpinganjira two minutes later.
In a bid to reorganise their side, Moyale made a double substitution, taking out Prince Phiri and George Nyirenda for Walusungu Mdoka and Clifford Chimulambe, respectively, a move that did not have any significant impact.
The Nomads also took off veteran forward Chiukepo Msowoya for Vincent Nyangulu and later on, two-goal hero Botomani and Vitumbiko Kumwenda for Francis Mkonda and Francisco Madinga, respectively.
Nyangulu then put the game beyond the Malawi Defence Force side’s reach, connecting home a corner-kick from Sanudi.
In a post-match interview, Wanderers coach Mark Harrison said they could have won by more than five goals.
He said: “We were in total control. At the end of the day it was a cup game and a win is a win.”
On the probability of a Blantye derby, the Nomads gaffer said: “I am comfortable with it, I am happy. So, yes if they win, bring it on!”
On the other hand, Moyale coach Victor Chingoka said his charges tried their best, but paid the price for lapses in concentration.
“We were always second on the ball and that created pressure on us, but as I said, we played well.”
