By Rachael Kaphaizi and Frank Mojah Dzuwa
Mpira Stadium felt like a survival test for Mighty Wanderers on Saturday. Ekhaya came out firing, pressing the Nomads and forcing a series of uncharacteristic errors.
For long stretches, Wanderers looked rattled, chasing shadows while Ekhaya dictated proceedings. A 1-1 draw felt like daylight robbery to the visitors, who left having dropped two points, while for the struggling Wanderers, a point was a welcome relief.
Ekhaya struck first just before half-time. Blessings Malinda powered the ball home from inside the penalty area in two minutes of added time, leaving Wanderers goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa unsighted.
Wanderers looked destined for their first-ever defeat to Ekhaya in all competitions until Promise Kamwendo came to the rescue. He scored a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time to snatch a draw for Mighty Wanderers.
Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted his side were second best in the first half but said they adjusted their play around the break.
“Our approach was not good, especially in the first half. We did not play the way we had planned. The players were second best in almost every aspect, and there was a lack of confidence and poor decision-making until half-time. It simply was not our day, and we have to accept that,” he said.
Ekhaya head coach Enos Chatama rued his side’s missed chances.
“We lost the game in the first 30 minutes of the first half. We created many chances that could have resulted in goals, but the players were unlucky. Let this be a lesson: whenever we create opportunities, we must take them. We will continue working on improving the team, and eventually we will reach the level we want,” Chatama said.
At Civo Stadium, the Lilongwe derby between Civil Service United and Silver Strikers served up another 1-1 draw.
Civil Service United drew first blood when Righteous Banda found the net after 15 minutes. Silver Strikers responded after the break, with Charles Chipala equalising six minutes into the second half.
Both teams poured forward in search of a winner, but neither could be separated, leaving neither side to claim the bragging rights.
Civil Service United assistant coach Emmanuel Zoya praised his players’ performance.
“I’m happy with the boys and the result, especially considering where we’re coming from. The team performed well in today’s derby,” Zoya said.
Silver Strikers assistant coach Mapopa Msukwa also took a positive view of the point.
“Getting a point is an achievement for us. Some players were unavailable on Thursday, so with the game plan we had, a point was enough,” Msukwa said.
The FDH Bank Premiership race is heating up. Wanderers remain top on goal difference, level on 14 points with Silver Strikers, who occupy second place.
