Wanderers Secure Victory with Second Half Goals, Claim Top Spot in TNM Super League
The second-half goals from Isaac Kaliati and Vincent Nyangulu propelled Wanderers to the top position in the TNM Super League standings.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Mighty Mukuru Wanderers emerged victorious in a thrilling midweek fixture against Blue Eagles, securing a 2-1 win at Nankhaka Stadium, writes Happy Valirani.
The second-half goals from Isaac Kaliati and Vincent Nyangulu propelled Wanderers to the top position in the TNM Super League standings.
Blue Eagles took the lead in the 42nd minute with a goal from Tonic Viyuyi, leaving Wanderers trailing 1-0 as the teams headed towards halftime.
However, Wanderers quickly levelled the scores in the 50th minute when Isaac Kaliati expertly converted a free-kick, bypassing the human wall constructed by Blue Eagles players and finding the corner of the net.
Just five minutes later, Vincent Nyangulu's powerful header gave Wanderers a 2-1 lead.
Despite conceding the lead, Blue Eagles continued to press forward and dominated ball possession.
They launched several attacks from different angles but failed to find another goal.
Their efforts almost paid off in the dying moments of the match when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Peter Cholopi inside the box during the three minutes of added time.
However, Wanderers goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa emerged as the hero of the day, saving Christopher Gototo's penalty and denying Blue Eagles an equalizer.
The victory was a source of delight for Wanderers' coach, Mark Harrison, who expressed his joy at collecting three crucial points.
"We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game considering that our opponents are a good side as well. But I am very happy for the three points," commented Harrison.
With eight games remaining in the league, Harrison emphasized the importance of collecting maximum points in the upcoming fixtures.
On the other hand, Blue Eagles' Assistant coach, Christopher Sibale, accepted the defeat but highlighted his team's failure to capitalize on the chances they created.
"We have missed a lot of chances today, and that is what cost us the game. We need to work on our strike force to improve our goal-scoring. The loss will not affect us; we will talk to the boys. Our aim as Blue Eagles is to finish in the top eight," said Sibale.
In other TNM Super League matches played on Wednesday, Mafco FC secured a 2-1 victory over Mighty Waka Waka Tigers, while Dedza Dynamos and Karonga United played out a 2-2 draw.
The win for Wanderers puts them at the top of the TNM Super League standings with 43 points, three points clear of second-placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, who have 40 points but have played three games less than Wanderers.