Nomads up to 2nd
Be Forward Wanderers have moved a place up to second in the TNM Super League following their 1-0 win over Muzu University (Mzuni) FC at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre yesterday.
The Nomads’ man-of-the-moment Zicco Mkanda struck the lone goal of the match in the 52nd minute to ensure that three points were in the bag for the Lali Lubani Road outfit.
Veteran forward Esau ‘Black Mamba’ Kanyenda was the architect of the goal when he flicked the ball to the dangerously advancing Mkanda who did the rest to perfection.
With four matches each to wind up the season, the defending champions trail leaders Nyasa Big Bullets by four points and their coach Bob Mpinganjira said they have not flown the white flag yet.
Said Mpinganjira: “We will keep on fighting and see what comes up. Otherwise, it was a difficult game, but the most important thing is that we collected maximum points which we desperately needed.”
The Nomads dominated the first half in which the created some good chances, the notable one was when Mzuni goalkeeper Pilirani Mapira appeared just in time to thwart Mike Kaziputa’s effort from close range in the 18th minute.
Kanyenda was also denied by the crossbar moments later.
Second half kick off was delayed due to a heavy downpour and as time ticked on, the stadium oozed anxiety until the figure of Mkanda appeared to break the deadlock.
Mkanda could have doubled the lead in the 66th minute but he fired over the bar with only ‘keeper Mapira at his mercy.
The Green Intellectuals had a chance to equalise in the 77th minute when Ramadhan Ntafu beat two Wanderers defenders but his final touch was awful and relief was the prevalent emotion among the Nomads’ faithful.
Mzuni coach Gilbert chirwa blamed the referee for the loss, saying most of his decisions were questionable.
“The pitch was also in a bad state due to the rains, as a result we failed to play our game,” he said.
Mzuni have since finished the league and are seventh with 36 points. The other team that has completed its fixtures in the 16-team league, is Kamuzu Barracks. They are sixth with 38 points.
Nomads’ midfielder Semion Singa was named man-of-the-match.
In another match, Kasungu-based rookies TN Stars held Masters Security to a one-all draw at Dedza Stadium.
Allion Tchefu scored for Masters while China Chirwa was on target for TN Stars.
Masters are fifth with 39 points from 28 matches whereas TN Stars are 10th with 35 points. They have a single game before they wrap up the league against Wanderers. n
