By Mabvuto Kambuwe & Fatsani Kalonda:
Mighty Wanderers continued their impressive form in the TNM Super League as they opened a two-point gap at the summit of the log table following a 1-0 victory over Ekhaya FC at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre Sunday.
Following the victory, Wanderers have displaced their rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets from the summit after the latter lost 2-1 to Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.
The Nomads have 29 points from 11 matches, two points above Bullets.
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So far, they are the only unbeaten side in the TNM Super League this season, having won nine matches.
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Wanderers have only dropped points against Silver Strikers and Karonga United this season, with both matches ending in 1-1 stalemates.
On the other hand, Ekhaya descended to position four with 20 points.
This is their second consecutive defeat and fourth overall in their debut season in the league.
Last week, Ekhaya lost by a similar margin to Bullets at the same venue.
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At Kamuzu Stadium, Wanderers President Thom Mpinganjira and wife Triephornia were in attendance to provide moral support to the Nomads.
That was not all as Mpinganjira’s son, William—who is Ekhaya’s President—also watched the match to give the Cowboys morale.
A Gaddie Chirwa goal in the 54th minute separated men from boys in a highly contested affair.
Chirwa scored with a thunderous shot from outside the box, beyond goalkeeper Elias Missi’s reach, following a neat move involving Wisdom Mpinganjira and Blessings Singini.
The Nomads made their first change when they introduced Blessings Mwalilino for Francisco Madinga.
In reaction, Ekhaya made a double change when they brought in Vincent Salawira and Clever Chikwata for Hadji James and Christopher Gototo.
In the first half, both teams played direct football and created some chances.
Isaac Kaliati missed the closest chance for Wanderers whereas Stanley Biliati’s freekick went over the bar.
After the match, Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira said the victory was important.
“It was a very difficult match. Ekhaya played a good game and they wanted to win and I am very happy with the three points,” Mpinganjira said.
On his part, Ekhaya coach Enos Chatama said they lost to a better side.
“We had a game-plan to close down Wanderers. We knew they have a lot of quality,” Chatama said.
Wanderers’ midfielder Blessings Singini was named player-of-the-match.
At Rumphi Stadium, TNM Super League defending champions Silver Strikers escaped from the jaws of defeat when Zebron Kalima cancelled out Raphael Phiri’s opener.
Phiri had given Moyale the lead in the 31st minute but Kalima rescued a point for Silver in the 73rd minute.
This is Silver’s second consecutive stalemate in the league, having drawn against Mafco at Silver Stadium on Thursday.
The draw against Moyale was enough to take Silver to position three in the league, displacing Ekhaya on goal difference.
Both teams are tied on 20 points, with the Cowboys playing 12 matches, one ahead of the Central Bankers.
Elsewhere, Creck Sporting Club defeated struggling Mzuzu City Hammers 1-0 at Aubrey Dima Stadium in Mchinji District.
Kondwani Chilembwe scored the only goal in the 61st minute.
Creck moved to position eight with 17 points, having played 13 matches in the first round.
Chitipa United and Karonga United shared the spoils following a goalless stalemate at Karonga Stadium.
In another match, Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos and Blue Eagles also settled for a goalless stalemate.
