Tigers wary of Nomads
Azam Tigers have said despite their unbeaten run in the TNM Super League so far, they will not throw caution to the wind when they face Mighty Wanderers at Balaka Stadium this afternoon.
But the pick of the afternoon is the clash of the current top two teams on the log table, Blue Eagles and Kamuzu Barracks, at Nankhaka ground in Lilongwe.
Tigers coach Leo Mpulula displayed sheer modesty yesterday, dismissing any suggestion that the tie is tipped in his team’s favour.
“Wanderers have gone through a bad spell of late and we know they will fight like wounded buffaloes.
“The other thing is that every team that we meet is determined to end our unbeaten run. So, it will be a very tough game, but we are set for the encounter,” said Mpulula from Kau-Kau’s Country Club Limbe training venue yesterday.
“We have a youthful squad that is out to prove a point and if KB scored three goals against them, I believe we are also capable,” he said.
Tigers strongest link has been the Bashir Maunde-led defence which has conceded just one goal so far, but Mpulula stressed the need to improve on their finishing and their hopes rest on Chimwemwe Nyakamera and Isaac Kaliati.
Other teams that have not lost yet this season are Red Lions and defending champions Silver Strikers.
On the other hand, the Nomads will be looking forward to breathing a new lease of life after a string of poor showing that has forced them to rope in their legend and former coach Jack ‘Africa’ Chamangwana.
Tigers are on fifth position with 14 points from eight games whereas Wanderers are a distant seventh with 11 points from seven games.
Chamangwana said the main challenge was to lift the players’ spirits.
The Eagles versus KB clash also promises thrills, but such is the cops’ luxury that even if they lose today’s match, they will still remain at the summit of the flagship league.
Eagles have 20 points from nine games, four points ahead of second-placed KB.
Eagles coach Deklerk Msakakuona predicted a tough match.
“It will definitely be very tough because KB will be out to reduce the gap, but we are not under pressure, after all, we will be playing at home,” he said.
The other interesting fixture this afternoon is between Silver and rookies Evirom at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. In Dwangwa, Mafco will be looking forward to recovering from their 4-1 humiliating defeat at the hands of Mzuzu United last weekend when they host Civo United.
