By Hastings Wadza Kasonga Jr
Gaddie Chirwa netted his first goal and Christopher Kumwembe scored his fifth goal of the season as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers sweated to beat Ekwendeni Hammers 2-1 at the Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Wongani Lungu netted from the spot to put the game alive as Hammers dominated the Nomads with Mika Chiyenda saving Vitumbiko Kumwenda’s penalty as the Nomads cruised to a hard fought win. Coach, Mark Harrison was not happy with the team’s overall performance.
“It was a very tough game, we played well in the first half where we got the goals but in the second half we were behind, our friends dominated us which is disappointing to me. We could have had more goals but in our games we are missing more chances but Hammers had that penalty and a shot on target only, we need to work out before facing Tigers in another game.” Said Harrison.
Meanwhile, Luckson Mauluka Nyoni said he was impressed with how his side played in the second half.
“We gave it away in the first half as Wanderers penetrated our defense and got those two goals, we came strong second half and pressed hard, we could have forced the draw.” Said Mauluka.
The Nomads hit the bar in the second minute as Botomani headed Stanley Sanudi’s ball before Kumwembe missing two chances by shooting wide. Sanudi sent a lovely ball that was headed in by Chirwa for his first goal at Wanderers on 26th minute and Kumwembe doubled the scores four minutes later with a header.
Hammers became dominant in the second half and Mphatso Magaleta’s shot was saved by Thole brilliant on 59th minute. Gabeya gifted Hammers a corner kick which was handled as Wanderers cleared it and Wongani Lungu sent Thole to the wrong way.
Hammers attacked the Nomads heavily and a relief came when Matthews Masamba was fouled into the box on 90th minute but Kumwenda failed to convert. The win means the Nomads remain top with 9 points while Hammers are 11th with 2 points.
Meanwhile, Hassan Kajoke came off the bench to score for FCB Nyasa Bullets as they beat rookies, Extreme FC narrowly 1-0. The team faced the Mchinji based side at the Civo Stadium which denied them several times before Kajoke connecting a Patrick Mwaungulu’s free kick. The People’s team remain second with 7 points while Extreme are 15th with a point.
In Karonga, Ramadhan Ntafu bagged a first half brace with Ken Mlenga scoring the other as Chitipa United beat Dedza Dynamos 3-1 at Karonga Stadium. Clement Nyondo got a consolation for Dynamos who sit 7th with 4 points while Chitipa are up to four with the same points.
Finally, Davie Tobias netted the winner as Karonga United beat MAFCO 3-2 to move up to third at Chitowe Stadium. Auspicious Kadzongola and Zikani Sichinga netted goal to cancel Karonga United two goal lead after goals from Alfred Chizinga and Josiah Duwa but the northern region side upped the five goal thriller to have 5 points from 3 games while MAFCO are 8th with 3 points.
Action continues on Sunday as Silver Strikers host Red Lions at Bingu National Stadium, Bangwe All Stars welcome Blue Eagles in Mulanje, Kamuzu Barracks date MAFCO in all military affair and Civo United visit Mighty Tigers at the Mpira Stadium.
