Nomads sweat to beat Mafco
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on Saturday recovered from last week’s 4-0 loss to rivals Nyasa Big Bullets in the FDH Bank Cup semi-final to beat Mafco FC 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in the TNM Super League.
They scored through Isaac Kaliati in the 74th minute.
Wanderers coach Alex Ngwira made three changes by starting with Peter Cholopi, Vincent Nyangulu and Ahamadu Kung’unde, a defender promoted from their reserve side.
The Nomads struggled in the first half as the visitors looked likely to score through Richard Mbulu, Peter Kansonga and Dan Chimbalanga.
However, Wanderers goalkeeper Pilirani Mapira rescued his team with timely saves.
The hosts managed two shots on target through captain Felix Zulu and Yamikani Chester, but goalkeeper Blessings Kameza was equal to the task.
Wanderers approached the second half a rejuvenated side as they pressed for a goal. Kaliati and Chester saw their efforts earlier blocked to the relief of Mafco.
Coach Ngwira substituted Sulumba and Misheck Botoman for Chiukepo Msowoya and Wisdom Mpinganjira.
Mafco also subsituted Filimoni, David Daudi, Alexander Sikwambe and Stain Malata for Peter Kasonga, Paul Phiri, Walusungu Mpata and Yohane Malunga.
Mafco’s susbstitions breathed life in the team, but failed to break down Wanderers solid defence.
In a post-match interview, Mafco coach Stereo Gondwe conceded defeat, saying: “We tried but failed to score. This is not how we play. We will fix our problems and come back stronger.”
His counterpart Alex Ngwira thanked his boys for the effort.
“We are coming from a defeat to Bullets. I talked to my boys and they listened. We struggled to score yet we had chances to score at least three goals,” he said.
In Lilongwe, Blue Eagles piled pressure on Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium with a 1-0 win to displace Kamuzu Barracks from the second position. Gaddie Chirwa was the scorer.
In Mzuzu, Moyale Barracks collected maximum points after beating Rumphi United 3-1.
