By McLloyd Kudzingo
2023 TNM Super League Golden Boot winner Clement Nyondo scored his first league goal for Mighty Mukuru Wanderers this season as the Nomads beat Karonga United 1-0 at the Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Nyondo scored the long awaited goal in the 14th minute following a Gaddie Chirwa’s cross after failing to score in an unbelievable circumstances two minutes earlier.
Isaac Kaliati had the chance to double the lead for the Nomads but his goal was ruled out for an offside in the 19th minute.
Nyondo had another chance to score in the 27th minute but this time around Karonga goalkeeper MacLean Mwale came to rescue the situation for the Karonga-based side.
The last 10 minutes of the first half saw the visitors becoming more hungry for an equaliser and they almost got it in the 44th minute when Blessings Mwalilino’s shot hit the post after goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa was already beaten.
In the second half, Wanderers made a couple of substitutions bringing in Francisco Madinga for Wisdom Mpinganjira and Christopher Kumwembe for Clement Nyondo.
On the other hand, Karonga made a triple substitution, introducing Robert Luhanga, Obbie Raphael and Alfred Chizinga for Blessings Mwallilino, Pilirani Thulu and Allen Chihana.
The last 45 minutes was largely dominated by the Nomads,who created plenty of scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise on their lead to convert them into goals.
Isaac Kaliati, Fransisco Madinga and Christopher Kumwembe were among the culprits for Wanderers’ missed opportunities and Karonga have their goalkeeper ‘MacLean Mwale’ to thank for beautiful saves.
Robert Luhanga scored what could have been a contender for the goal of the season but it was ruled out for an offside by the officiating personnel.
After the match Isaac Kaliati for Wanderers was voted man of the match.
The Nomads have now moved to the second position with 12 points, a point behind league leaders Silver Strikers who are playing against Creck Sporting on Sunday.
At Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets left it late to secure a 1-all draw against Salima-based soldiers Mafco FC.
The home side were the first to find the back of the net through Innocent Makawano in the 26th minute but the People’s team equalised just three minutes before the end of the match courtesy of a Patrick Mwaungulu’s free-kick.
After the match, Mafco captain Paul Ndhlovu was voted man of the match.
There was another 1-1 draw in Mzuzu as Moyale Barracks came from behind to draw against Chitipa United at Mzuzu Stadium.
Stimella Muyira put Chitipa in front from the penalty spot in the 15th minute but Moyale equalised in the 60th minute through Clifford Chimulambe who also scored from the penalty spot.
The match between two league debutants FOMO FC and Baka City also ended 1-all at Mulanje Park Stadium.
The visitors got an opener just 4 minutes from kick-off through Nelson Sikaona but FOMO cancelled the lead nine minutes later through Rashid Chilomo who was also voted man of the match.
Baka City are bottom on the log table with 2 points while FOMO are on position 11 with seven points after playing six games.
Another 1-all draw was registered at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe in a match between Civil Service United and Bangwe All Stars with Beston Jimu scoring for the visitors and Emmanuel Saviel equalising for the Civil Servants.
On Sunday, apart from the Silver Strikers, Creck Sporting match, there will be another match between Mzuzu City Hammers and Kamuzu Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium and Mighty Tigers and Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos at Kamuzu Stadium.
