Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Rally 2-1 Past Karonga United
This weekend's matches could see the standings shaken up once more in one of the closest championships Malawian football has seen.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - Mighty Mukuru Wanderers came from behind to defeat Karonga United 2-1 and move into first place in the TNM Super League standings on Wednesday, writes Happy Valirani.
In a tightly contested midweek fixture at Kamuzu Stadium, Karonga United took an early lead in the fifth minute when Gabinho Daudi tapped in a rebound after Richard Chipuwa had fumbled a shot by Josiah Duwa.
Karonga maintained the 1-0 advantage through halftime.
Christopher Kumwembe proved the hero for Wanderers, scoring two second-half goals in the 56th and 88th minutes to give his team all three points.
Kumwembe was named man of the match.
The win puts Wanderers atop the league table with 40 points, one point ahead of second-place Chitipa United, who have 39 points.
"I'm happy that we collected the three points. We really needed to win this game," said Mighty Mukuru Wanderers head coach Mark Harrison, who was delighted with the result.
Harrison added that substitutions in the second half changed the complexion of the match.
Karonga United coach Trevor Kajawa said complacency cost his players.
"They came out flat in the second half after going ahead," Kajawa said. "But that's football. I thank my boys for playing well despite the loss."
Action in the TNM Super League continues on Thursday as defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets face the Mighty Waka Waka Tigers.
Wanderers' comeback moves them into first place in a tight title race
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers' dramatic second-half rally past Karonga United on Wednesday saw them leapfrog into first place in the highly competitive TNM Super League standings.
However, the top of the table remains crowded, with only a single point now separating the top three sides.
Chitipa United sits in second place with 39 points, while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are third with 38 after their midweek match was postponed due to heavy rains.
Wanderers coach Mark Harrison praised his team's perseverance in overcoming their 1-0 halftime deficit.
"The players showed great character to keep pushing for an equalizer," Harrison said.
"Once we got that first goal, the momentum shifted in our favour."
Man of the match Christopher Kumwembe's two second-half strikes proved decisive.
The in-form striker now has 10 goals on the season.
While disappointed with the loss, Karonga United coach Trevor Kajawa took pride in his team's competitive first-half performance.
"We matched a top side for 45 minutes," Kajawa said. "With a bit more focus, we could have held on for the full 90."
The title race looks set to go down to the wire, with Wanderers, Chitipa United and defending champions Big Bullets all still in contention.
This weekend's matches could see the standings shaken up once more in one of the closest championships Malawian football has seen.