Wa Ganyu 

Illness played a significant role in Mighty Wanderers’ shock defeat to nine-man Mzuzu City Hammers in the Castel Cup quarter final, Wa Ganyu has learned.

Sources have confirmed that nearly nine Wanderers players and officials suffered from diarrhoea before kick-off, severely affecting their ability to perform.

The situation reportedly began on Saturday night, when several players complained of stomach pains. By Sunday morning, the number had risen, with both players and officials showing signs of weakness ahead of the match.

“On Sunday morning, about nine players and officials had reported the same symptoms and were clearly not in a good condition to face Hammers,” a source said.

“During the warm-up, Sama [Thierry] had to leave the pitch to use the toilet again. After the warm-up, eight players were lined up outside the toilets. There was no space in the dressing room, so some had to use the outdoor facilities.

“The most affected players were Sama [Thierry], [Blessings] Singini and [Isaac] Kaliati. Despite this, they still gave everything on the pitch, but it was simply not their day.”

The team has since left Mzuzu and returned to Blantyre this morning, although some squad members are still recovering.

Also read: Making 9 Hammers men Mighty Again, Nomads butchered in Rumphi – Wa Ganyu

In the 2024 season, Mzuzu City Hammers made a memorable run to the final of the Castel Challenge Cup, defeating FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular time. Hammers lost the final to Wanderers at Bingu National Stadium.

Now, in the 2025/2026 season, the two sides are set to meet again in the semifinals. The big question is whether Hammers can repeat their heroics from last season, or if Nyasa Big Bullets will take revenge for their previous heartbreak.