Mighty Wanderers yesterday put up a grand performance to end rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets’ unbeaten record with a 1-0 victory in a tightly contested Blantyre derby at Kamuzu Stadium.
The Nomads, who outplayed their crosstown rivals in all aspects, dedicated their victory to their former technical director Yasin Osman who passed away in April.
A first-half goal from hitman Blessings Mwalilino was all the Nomads needed to bag full points and earn bragging rights.
The Nomads deservedly took the lead in the 11th minute when the striker took advantage of Bullets’ defence’ failure to clear Wisdom Mpinganjira’s corner kick.
The goal was a timely reward for the Wanderers, who were in control of the proceedings, as they tirelessly pressed high through Felix Zulu, Blessings Singini and player of the match Francisco Madinga in command of the midfield.
Bullets goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu was at the receiving end of the barrage of attacks as he was forced to make some crucial saves to deny Madinga in the 13th minute and Singini in the 18th minute.
With Bullets midfield of Mike Mkwate, Lloyd Aaron and Wongani Lungu overrun, winger Chikumbutso Salima stood out, but he alone could not sway Wanderers defence.
The midfielder had a chance to level in the 30th minute, but his shot went wide with Wanderers goalkeeper Chancy Mtete beaten.
Niger ian str iker Babatunde Adepoju, who usually enjoys tormenting his former club, was put on a tight leash by centre-back Peter Cholopi, who had an outstanding game.
Frustrated Bullets coach Peter Mponda tried to change tactics throughout the match, taking out defender Clyde Senaji and introducing Frank Willard, forcing Yankho Singo to play in defence.
He also introduced Henry Chiwaya and Chawanangwa Gumbo for Mkwate, Aaron and Yamikani Mologeni for Blessings Mpokela and Ephraim Kondowe for Lungu in the second-half.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira responded by pulling out Gaddie Chirwa and Promise Kamwendo for Clement Nyondo and Masiya Manda, respectively.
Later on, Nanison Mbewe and Emmanuel Nyirenda replaced Madinga and Zulu while Isaac Kaliyati came in for Mwalilino.
Bullets’ closest chance in the second half came in the 69th minute when Kondowe saw his header cleared on the line by Singini.
Through their discipline in defence and closing out Bullets’ wings, the Nomads held on to the slender lead to emerge victorious in the first Blantyre derby of the 2025 season.
In post-match interview Mpinganjira praised his charges for the victory.
He said: “What we agreed to do during training is what they did on the ground.”
Mponda admitted that they were outplayed by their rivals.
“We didn’t play football. Wanderers deserved to win.”
The result means Bullets’ lead has been cut to two points. The leaders are stuck at 18 points while the Nomads have 16 points and a game in hand.
In other matches played yesterday, Creck Sporting Club defeated Mafco 2-1 at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.
Karonga Un i ted al so collected full points after defeating Songwe Border at Karonga Stadium.
Kamuzu Barracks and PremierBet Dedza Dynamos drew 2-2.
Blue Eagles and Ekhaya FC also settled for a goalless draw.
