Mighty Wanderers have reduced the gap between themselves and leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to four points following a 3-1 victory over Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Ground in Lilongwe Wednesday.
Following the win, the Nomads have 45 points from 19 matches, four points behind Bullets, who have played a match more.
Interestingly, Wanderers and Bullets will face each other in a top-of-the-table clash at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this coming Sunday.
The victory over Eagles came 24 hours after Bullets had extended their lead to seven points after beating Mafco 3-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.
Blessings Mwalilino scored a first-half brace before Isaac Kaliati netted the third from the penalty spot to ensure maximum points for the Lali Lubani outfit.
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Mwalilino opened the floodgates in the 18th minute of the match when he tapped in a rebound after Eagles goalkeeper Precious Masamba fumbled Muhamad Sulumba’s initial attempt.
The striker completed his brace 10 minutes later with a great finish after the Eagles defence was caught napping.
Sensing danger, Eagles made a triple substitution when they introduced Tonic Viyuyi, Gilbert Chirwa and Ganizani James for Ranken Mwale, Benet Konyo and Andrew Mapemba.
But Wanderers increased their lead through Kaliati from the penalty spot after Chirwa fouled Adam Wallace.
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Kaliati sent Masamba [Eagles goalkeeper] the wrong way, to the delight of Wanderers fans.
The two teams went for recess with the Nomads firmly in control of the match.
After the break, Eagles came back a changed side, with Pius Saka reducing the deficit in the 77th minute.
But it was too little, too late.
After the match, Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira praised his players for the victory.
“We played well, especially in the first half. We are happy with the three points,” he said.
Eagles coach Deklerk Msakakuona conceded defeat.
“Wanderers played well. They never gave us a chance in the first 20 minutes; so, it was difficult for us,” he said.
Eagles are seventh on the log table with 28 points from 21 matches.
Elsewhere, Ekhaya claimed a 3-0 victory over Kamuzu Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium.
Emmanuel Saviel scored a brace, with the other goal coming from James Lumbe.
At Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, Civil Service United and Mighty Tigers shared the spoils after a goal-less draw.
