Asu scores debut winner for Nomads, KB hold Bullets: Malawi TNM Super League

Cameroon striker Lionel Asu for Mighty Be Forward Wanderer scored a goal on his Malawi TNM Super League debut against Surestream FC at Kamuzu Stadium. The goal proved to be the winner for the Nomads.

Asu came in for Jimmy Zakazaka at half time to curl in the winner.

The Cameroonian striker, who was nick named ‘Mose wa lero’ by Nomads fans expertly and cheekily curled the ball into the top right corner with the outside of his foot finally breaking down a stubborn Surestream side which had been kept in the game by a series of good saves by their goalkeeper.

The Nomads had struggled to create chances until Asu came on midway through the second half.

Asu had been kept in check up until then, despite alternating between playing on both the left wing as well as up front, as the Nomads tried to find an answer to Sure Stream disciplined defence marshalled by Chembezi Dennis and Keston Kasonda.

The Cameroonian sent Wanderers fans into raptures when he scored the vital goal and he also went wild as he raced half the length of the pitch in celebration. Then he threw himself and bowed at the feet of Wanderers coach Elia Kananji, then handed over a wrist-band to the coach.

The new rookies had the best chance of the first half when their striker played a neat one-two but could not hit the target

The Nomads who had deployed a 3-5-2 formation with Peter Munthali in goals, Ted Sumani, Jacob Ngwira and Jabulani Linje (who had a grand game) starting ahead of goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa, Francis Mlimbika, Malumbo Gondwe and Luka Milanzi were outplayed on the middle of the park.

Rafiqu Mussa was also serving a red card, while Gondwe was not even on the bench.

Despite, frustrating the Nomads in the first half, Sure Stream lacked composure inside the box. The rookies also opted for their passing football by shying away to shoot from a far.

The second half saw even fewer chances until Asu provided the needed spark when he came on for Jimmy Zakazaka.

Muhammad Sulumba, who missed a lot of scoring opportunities for Nomads, forced a good stop from Alex Makina with a fierce volley from a tight angle in the 72nd minute.

Then Asu appeared on the scene to secure the full points for Wanderers.

Wanderers coach Kananji praised Asu for rescuing his side but conceded Sure Stream was well disciplined in defence.

“We didn’t have our usual fluency in the game,” Kananji said. “(Asu) physical presence made a difference.”

Surestream technical director Peter Mponda, who also doubles as a coach, was absolutely furious with the referee, saying he was not fit for purpose and simply incompetent.

“I have no kind words with the officiating personnel. But am happy with the performance of my players,” said Mponda.

Added Mponda: “We did everything right. We stopped the crosses and corners, but we lost to poor officiation.”

Wanderers have now jumped from eighth to third on seven points from three games; at par with fourth-placed Big Bullets who drew 1-1- at Kamuzu Barracks.

Wanderers and Bullets also share similar points to leaders Red Lions and second-placed Blue Eagles who drew 1-1 on Friday in Lilongwe.

In Lilongwe, Mzuni FC registered their first win when beating Epac 1-0.

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