Rachael Kaphaizi
Wanderers 1-0 Hammers
When signing for Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on May 3, 2024, Cameroon striker Sama Thierry Tanjong said he is in Malawi for a mission and that was to conquer cups especially the league.
He failed to do that in the league, FDH Bank Cup and Airtel Top 8. Finally he has the moment to shine by scoring the lone goal to give Nomads Castel Challenge Cup.
Nomads have all reasons to thank Sama as last season they finished without a trophy despite all efforts done.
Sama came off the bench to score the only goal after Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira had rested Misheck Botoman who fired blank on three occasions even when the keeper was already beaten.
The introduction of Sama made things easy for Nomads as Sama got a goal with his first touch at 47 minutes.
It was Isaac Kaliati who passed the ball to Sama inside the penalty box when Mzuzu City Hammers slept leaving Sama unmarked. He turned and fired a low shot down to the bottom left corner.
The goal did not discourage the Hammers from showing an amazing performance until the final whistle. They had four clear chances just after Nomads had scored but could not use their chances.
Speaking after a 1-0 victory, Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira was a happy man and thanked his boys for the hard work.
“I am very happy that we have won the cup, I am happy for the players, they have done a very good job, it was a very difficult game but they have managed to win it,” he said.
“This is an early Christmas to them and the president of this team,” he added.
Speaking after the match, Hammers coach Kondwa Ikwanga said he still has faith in his boys.
“I wouldn’t blame them, it is the first time to play at this ground but I believe next time they will be able to catch up, they will be able to do much better than they have done today,” he said.
Wanderers journey to glory…
They hammered Nsuwadzi FC 16-0 in round of 64, stopped Chipoka 10-1 in round of 32 before 4-1 victory on penalties over Creck Sporting in round of 16 after regulation time ended 1-all.
In quarterfinals they punished Bangwe All Stars 5-0 before another victory over Panthers 3-0 in semi finals. Wanderers will go home K55 million richer while Hammers will get K25 million as runners up.
Hammers booted out FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 4-1 on penalties in the semifinals to qualify into the finals.
Wanderers last won a trophy in 2022 which was the Airtel Top 8 cup beating Bullets at Bingu National Stadium on penalties after a goalless draw.
Easter Zimba was the referee in today’s match helped by Kanduku Clemence and Evance Msonda.
Gaddie Chirwa was voted man of the match in today’s match.
Lineups:
Wanderers
William Thole, Lawrence Chaziya, Ahamad Kung’unde, Blessings Singini, Francisco Madinga, Stanley Sanudi, Isaac Kaliati, Misheck Botomani, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Gaddi Chirwa, Clement Nyondo
Hammers
Chancy Mtete, Aubrey Simbi, Jimmy Msiska, Bayo Fatayo, Yasin Rashid, Isaiah Nyirenda, Chimwemwe Chunga, Isaac Msiska, Gerald Ngwira, Chikumbutso Henderson, Chawanangwa Mkandawire
