It’s Nomads vs Big Bullets in Carlsberg Cup final
Be Forward Wanderers on Sunday earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Moyale Barracks to storm into Carlsberg Cup final in a game played at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The victory means Wanderers will renew their rivalry when they meet defending champions Big Bullets in the final slated for August 29 at Civo Stadium. Bullets reached the final after beating Silver Strikers 3-0 on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium.
Victor Nyirenda was the hero when he headed in Mike Kaziputa’s inviting cross after 33 minutes in the first half.
Nyirenda’s glancing header beat Moyale goalkeeper, Juma Chikwenga at the near post to send Wanderers fans into wild celebrations.
After the goal, Nomads pressed hard in search of a second goal but they were let down by poor finishing.
Mapopa Kaunda failed to score with only Chikwenga to beat. Kondwani Kumwenda and Nyirenda also missed ideal opportunities.
After recess, Moyale was a changed side and put Wanderers under siege but goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa was equal to the task. Moyale coach Nicholas Mhango introduced Steven Mkandawire and Victor Mwale for Dan Kaunda and Dan Katunga.
The moved nearly paid off as they controlled the midfield for the better part of the second half. Deus Nkutu had a goal ruled out for offside midway the second half.
Sensing danger, Nomads coach, Elijah Kananji, made a double substitution. He brought in Jacob Ngwira and Luka Milanzie for Mapopa Kaunda and Kumwenda.
The Mzuzu-based soldiers continued to pile pressure but the Nomads survived the scare. Speaking in a post-match interview, Kananji praised his charges for the victory, saying he had set his sights on winning the cup.
If Kananji wins the cup with Nomads, he will become the first coach to win the Carlsberg Cup with two different teams in two successive years. He won it last year with Bullets.
“The players did well and I am glad with the performance of the team. Our focus will be to beat Bullets in the final match to win the cup,” said Kananji.
His Moyale counterpart, Mhango, was disappointed with the result but said his players put up a good fight.
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