Frank Mojah Dzuwa and Rachael Kaphaizi
League leaders Mighty Wanderers stumble at home and fail to extend the lead with six points. So, was the case with Silver Strikers who failed to close the gap with second positioned FCB Nyasa Big Bullets following a goalless draw at home.
Bullets will play tomorrow away to Mafco, will they drop points also? Victory for them will mean that Wanderers will lead with just a point with both playing equal number of games, 14.
At Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre today, Wanderers failed to stretch their lead at the top of the TNM Super League table after being held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Chitipa United side.
The result means the Nomads have now drawn four out of their 14 league matches this season, (Silver, Moyale, Karonga and Chitipa) a stat that could prove costly in the title race.
Chitipa took an early lead in the 11th minute after a defensive mishap between Wanderers defender Peter Cholopi and goalkeeper Chancy Mtete. The loose communication allowed Andrew Joseph to pounce and slot the ball into the net with ease.
Wanderers responded positively to going behind and began pushing for an equalizer. Their efforts paid off in the 28th minute when Blessings Singini rose highest to nod in a header from a well-delivered corner by Francisco Madinga, levelling the match at 1-1.
Despite creating several opportunities and making multiple substitutions in the second half, Wanderers failed to break down a well-organized Chitipa defence. The visitors remained disciplined and tactically sharp throughout the match, frustrating the home side’s attacking attempts.
At halftime, the score remained 1-1, and that’s how the match ended despite late pressure from the hosts.
Speaking after the match, Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira expressed his disappointment with the result, especially the manner in which his side conceded.
“It was a very difficult game, I should admit. We could have done better than this. We started the game at a slow pace, giving our opponent room to attack. We have lost as a team; I am not here to point fingers,” said Mpinganjira.
Chitipa coach Kondwa Ikwangwa, on the other hand, said although they came to Blantyre with the ambition of collecting all three points, he was content with the draw, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football.
“We came here aiming for three points, but that’s football. We are satisfied with the result considering the performance we gave,” said Ikwangwa.
Following the draw, Mighty Wanderers remain top of the table with 34 points, just four points ahead of their arch-rivals Bullets.
At Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, the Central Bankers failed to beat Mighty Tigers despite the home team creating a number of scoring opportunities.
Striker Stain Davie missed a golden chance just two minutes into the first half after he failed to connect home a Daniel Sandukira’s cross.
Tigers though James Tambwali missed to snatch the win three minutes into the added time when he failed to send the ball into the empty net after goalkeeper George Chikooka had left his line.
Tiger’s team manager White Suzumile said it was a tough match but thanked his boys for collecting a point away to Silver. While Silver’s Peter Mgangila said it was not the result they expected.
Lineups:
Wanderers: Charles Mtete, Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi, Felix Zulu, Francisco Madinga, Timothy Silwimba, Blessings Singini, Promise Kamwendo, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Gaddie Chirwa, Timothy Silwimba, Blessings Mwalilino.
Chitipa United: Kennedy Nankhaima, Farhard Mtcheka, Eric Astigah, Andrew Joseph, Elias Muywangwa, Lumbani Nyondo, Asuman Julius, Rajab Nyirenda, Lamson Lukali, Godfrey Kwiyoka, Nelson Sikaona.
