By McLloyd Kudzingo
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers left it late to secure a 2-nil victory over Mpondas United on Thursday afternoon at Balaka Stadium.
The Mangochi outfit looked impregnable until the last sixteen minutes when substitutes Vincent Nyangulu and Chiukepo Msowoya got their names on the scoresheet to help the Lali Lubani boys progress into the round of 16 of the FDH Bank Cup.
Both sides featured most of their regular players with Wanderers relying on Christopher Kumwembe and Gaddie Chirwa in front while Mpondas trusted Hassan Sanudi and Hassam Wasi to cause the biggest upset in the tournament.
The most part of the first half was played almost exclusively in Mpondas United’s half with the Nomads seeking to get an early lead but Mpondas proved to be too good in defense with goalkeeper Rashid Hassan producing brilliant saves.
The second half saw, the Nomads making a number of substitutions, bringing in the fresh legs of Misheck Botomani, Chiukepo Msowoya and Vincent Nyangulu.
The super league outfit continued to create a number of scoring opportunities in the second half but were still failing to hit the back of the net.
Just when some fans started fearing for yet another big embarrassment for the Nomads, Nyangulu had other thoughts as he broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with a beautiful finish after an assist by Botomani.
Chiukepo Msowoya doubled the lead for Wanderers in the added time with a beautiful header after a well taken corner kick by his captain Stanley Sanudi.
In other round of 32 matches played on Thursday, Silver Strikers thumped Ntaja United 5-0 in a match that took place at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Adiel Kaduya claimed a brace as Atusaye Nyondo, Stain Davie and Chimwemwe Idana scored a goal each for the central bankers.
Elsewhere, Zikani Sichinga scored a hat-trick to help Mafco FC beat Ekwendeni Hardnockers 4-2 at Chitowe Stadium.
The other goal for the Salima-based soldiers came from Peter Kasonga while Cyrus Msiska and Tymon Gomeka were on target for Hardnockers.
