By Mabvuto Kambuwe:
Be Forward Wanderers came from behind to beat Silver Strikers 3-2 to win the Fisd Challenge Cup in an entertaining final at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe Sunday.
The Nomads have made history by becoming the first team to win the competition twice in a space of two years since it was introduced in 2016.
It was sweet revenge for the Nomads after they lost to Silver in the Airtel Top 8 Cup final last year at the same venue.
Yamikani Chester netted the winner with 17 minutes remaining through a powerful shot straight into the net.
It was an emotional afternoon for both sides as they battled for their only chance to win silverware before the end of the season.
The win proved to be an early Christmas party for the Nomads family as they turned the stadium into a theatre of celebrations.
The Central Bankers could not hold their emotions at the end of the match, with several players shedding tears of sorrow.
Silver were the first to score through Michael Tetteh’s thunderous shot 28 minutes into the match.
But despite conceding, Wanderers finished the first half strongly as they forced Silver goalkeeper Brighton Munthali to make some reflex saves to keep the scores at 1-0 at half-time.
Wanderers came into the second half with renewed vigour and Zicco Mkanda equalised with a neat finish four minutes after resumption.
Mkanda completed his brace with another beautiful goal when he headed in Joseph Kamwendo’s free kick.
But Silver’s Victor Limbani equalised through a header from a Mark Fodya freekick.
Chester won the cup for the Nomads with an intelligent finish to end the contest.
Wanderers pocketed K16 million for their efforts whereas Silver have received K6 million.
Nomads Coach, Bob Mpinganjira, said it was a difficult match but praised his charges for a spirited performance.
“It was a difficult game which could have gone either way. We struggled a bit in the first-half but we managed to come back in the second. The players have done a great job,” Mpinganjira said.
Silver Coach, Lovemore Fazili, said it was a painful defeat.
“We made some mistakes and conceded silly goals. We should not have lost this game,” Fazili said.
Sports Minister Grace Chiumia and other high profile officials watched the game.
Starting lineups:
Wanderers-Juwaya. Cholopi, Kaipa, Sanudi, Mlimbika, Sambani, Manyozo Jnr, Kaziputa, Chester, Wadabwa, Mkanda.
Silver-Munthali, Wayekha, Kalema, Sherrif, Chimodzi Jnr, Limbani, Paipi, Fodya, Nyoni, Tetteh, Muyaba.
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