Mighty Wanderers’ TNM Super League title aspirations get a stern test this afternoon when they face reigning champions Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Today’s showdown comes barely a fortnight after the two teams clashed at the same venue in the final of the FDH Bank Cup in which the Bankers won 5-4 on post-match penalties.
They played out a one-all draw in regulation time in a contest that shredded the nerves of the turnout, culminating in a dramatic shootout.
The Nomads sit pretty at the summit of the domestic flagship league with 51 points from 21 matches, a
point above their second-placed arch-rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who have played a game more.
On the other hand, the Reserve Bank outfit trails the Nomads by 11 points, having played a game less.
Vunga. | Courtesy of Mighty Wanderers
Wanderers boast of being the only side yet to taste defeat in the top-flight league, but Silver have caused them so much misery lately, beating them three times last season when they were under the tutelage of Peter Mponda, now with Bullets.
The Bankers beat Wanderers 2-0 in the first-round at Silver Stadium in front of their president Thom Mpinganjira and compounded the misery in the second round and the Airtel Top 8 semis with 1-0 margin victories.
In the first round this season, the Nomads appeared on course to exorcise that ghost as they led 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium only to concede in the last minute of added time to draw one-all.
In an interview yesterday, Nomads gaffer Bob Mpingnjira said today’s contest could shape the course of the title.
He said: “There are still many games to play, but this one will be crucial considering the opposition and the critical stage the league has reached, we cannot afford to drop points.
“We have told the boys that we’ll have to fight for a win by all means.”
However, Mpinganjira admitted that they are anticipating a tight-throat affair.
“We are up against the champions, they have a good side with quality players who give their all, but we are ready for them. We only hope the officiating personnel will take a firm line,” said the Nomads legend.
He said they will fight for all the three points on offer and not even a draw will be an option.
On his part, Solver coach Peter ‘Shoes’ Mgangira also said he expects a tough match.
He said: “It was good that we had the international break. It gave our players a chance to rest after playing so many matches within a short period.
“Preparations have gone on well. It’s never easy plying against Wanderers, they are a good team coached by experienced coaches led by Bob Mpinganjira.”
Mgangira also brushed off suggestions that they are favourites based on their recent dominance against the Nomads.
He said: “Our past record doesn’t really count because this is a different game altogether. Remember also that they haven’t yet lost in the league. So, they have the quality,” he said.
“We are playing at home and the surface is good. We hope the boys will be on top of their game. Having said that, we are ready for them.”
Forward Andrew Joseph and attacker Uchizi Vunga are the men the Nomads should keep a wary eye on while in-form midfielder Blessings Singini, Clement Nyondo, youthful Dan Kudonto and Blessings Mwalilino carry the Nomads’ hopes.
