Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have opened a three-point gap at the top of the TNM Super League following a 2-1 victory over Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe Wednesday.
Relief was the prevalent emotion in the Wanderers camp after the final whistle as their goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa saved Christopher Gototo’s penalty in the 92nd minute of the match.
This is the Nomads’ first victory in four consecutive matches in all competitions after two losses and one draw.
Again, this was Wanderers’ first win at Nankhaka since 2018.
The Lali Lubani side had every reason to celebrate as the result means they have done a double over Eagles, having won the first leg 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.
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Following the victory, Wanderers now have 43 points from 22 matches, three above second-placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets who have three matches in hand.
It was a come-from-behind victory for the Nomads after Tonic Viyuyi scored for Eagles with a header from Richard Rapson’s pass in the 42nd minute.
Wanderers came from the break a changed side as they took the game to the hosts.
Isaac Kaliati pulled Wanderers level in the 50th minute, with substitute Vincent Nyangulu netting the second goal, connecting home a Stanley Sanudi free kick.
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Eagles pressed hard for the equaliser and nearly got it through Trouble Banda but Chipuwa produced a reflex save to deny him.
It proved to be a match winner as the referee blew the final whistle shortly after.
A visibly delighted Wanderers coach Mark Harrison said the win was important in the chase for their first TNM Super League title since 2017.
“This is a massive win for us as Eagles are an in-form team. The league is quite big and we need to keep pushing,” Harrison said.
Eagles’ assistant coach Christopher Sibale said it was not their day.
“We created several chances but lacked composure upfront. We have been beaten and accept the result,” Sibale said.
Eagles, who have posted the first loss after five matches, are on position eight with 30 points from 24 matches.
In other matches, Mafco moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 victory over Mighty Tigers at Chitowe Ground in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota District, while Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar and Karonga United shared the spoils after a 2-2 stalemate at Dedza Ground.
