By Llywellenie Mpasa:
A dramatic last-minute free-kick from Chinsinsi Maonga earned Silver Strikers a vital point as they held Mighty Wanderers to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling TNM Super League encounter at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre Sunday.
The result means Wanderers remain unbeaten but have dropped points for the first time this season, while Silver continue their pursuit to climb the table.
Following the result, Wanderers remain second on the table with 13 points, five below leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who have played six matches, one more than the Nomads.
- Advertisement -
Wanderers Coach Bob Mpinganjira did not mince words as he voiced concern over officiating standards following his side’s dramatic draw against the Central Bankers.
- Advertisement -
“I have never complained about officiation before but, today, it was pathetic. From the word go, even the other guys, our counterparts, were complaining as well,” Mpinganjira said.
The high-stakes clash between two Super League heavyweights lived up to its billing, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance and fighting until the final whistle.
The Nomads came into the match in second place with a perfect record from four matches, while the Central Bankers sat in ninth place with two wins, having registered one draw and one loss.
The two sides started cautiously, trading safe passes in midfield as they assessed each other’s tactical setup.
- Advertisement -
But as the match wore on, Wanderers slowly grew into the match, launching measured attacks that began to test Silver’s defensive line.
The first real moment of excitement came in the 44th minute when Maonga rattled the crossbar with a thunderous long-range effort that had Wanderers goalkeeper beaten.
It was the closest either side came to scoring in the first half, which ended goalless.
The second half brought more urgency and end-to-end action.
In the 52nd minute, Wanderers threatened again as Clement Nyondo and Gaddie Chirwa combined beautifully on a quick counterattack, with Chirwa’s effort crashing against the far post.
Just moments later, Blessings Singini let fly from the edge of the box, forcing a sharp save from the Silver goalkeeper.
Wanderers finally broke the deadlock in the first minute of added time.
Silver’s defence failed to clear their lines and a poor back pass invited the goalkeeper off his line.
Blessings Mwalilino pounced on the loose ball and coolly slotted the ball into an empty net, sending the home crowd into raptures.
But Silver refused to give up.
In the 93rd minute, they won a freekick just outside the area after Chimwemwe Idana was fouled and Maonga delivered with a stunning strike that curled over the wall and nestled in the top corner.
The Nomads coach admitted that the result was disappointing.
“It is a game of football. That is the way it goes, when you think you have done it, your friends can still equalise. So yes, I am disappointed, but all the same, it was a very good game,” Mpinganjira said.
Despite the setback, Mpinganjira commended his squad for showing determination and discipline throughout the match.
“I am happy with the character that my boys showed. I am sure we are going in the right direction,” he said.
Speaking after the match, Silver Coach Peter Mgangira applauded his side’s spirit.
“The people that came here watched a very good game. Wanderers are a strong side and dominated the first half. But in the second half, it was a 50-50 game. That is the beauty of football and it is never over until it is over,” he said.
However, Mgangira admitted that eight points from five matches were not ideal for defending champions, but accepted the result.
“Considering we were away, and how the match played out, I think it is a fair result. We are happy to go back with a point,” Mgangira said.
It will be a daunting task for the Nomads as they face in-form rivals Bullets on Saturday, May 31, in the highly anticipated Blantyre derby.
The encounter comes at a critical time, with Bullets enjoying a perfect run, winning all six of their opening fixtures in the league.
In another match, Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos defeated Civil Service United 1-0 courtesy of Chifuniro Mpinganjira’s first half goal.
Elsewhere, Creck Sporting Club chalked their second win of the season when they beat debutants Songwe United 2-0.
Hardy Ng’andu and Hassan Hussein scored inside the first 20 minutes to help Creck win.
