Wanderers reach semis of Standard Bank Cup after beating Red Lions

Luka Milanzi’s second half goal inspired Mighty Be Forward Wanderers to an incredible victory against Red Lions in the Standard Bank Cup at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.

The Nomads slippery striker demonstrated his importance to the team, as he also had an electric performance alongside Muhammad Sulumba upfront.

And it was a miserable afternoon for Red Lions coach Collins Nkuna at the end of a week, as he also lost to Big Bullets last week in a league game at the same venue.

In a game strewn with defensive errors, especially to Red Lions, the Nomads were more disciplined in all the department’s with Ibrahim Sadick being the man to watch on the left flank.

Milanzi’s goal looked to have put Wanderers in control but Red Lions response presented a compelling case for Lions coach Collins Nkuna, who stressed his players lacked fighting spiri and composure.

In the 38th minute, Chikoti Chirwa lost his footing to allow Milanzi to race clear only to shoot wide.

Red Lions bench, especially Prichard Mwansa looked that, this was his most sobering moment as he looked stunned on the sidelines at the regularity with which the home defence was exposed.

The Nomads dominated the midfield, where Kondwani Kumwenda was brilliant to watch with his skills, juggling and passes.

In the second half, Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Mike Kaziputa and Victor Nyirenda were recalled in place of Malumbo Gondwe, Ibrahim Sadick and Muhammad Sulumba while Red Lions made a few changes.

In the 65th minute, Clever Kaipa was denied a goal by brilliant Kondwani Lufeyo intervention – a moment that set the tone for a game filled with attacking quality and littered with errors.

Isaac Kaliati, in front of watching Flames assistant coach Nswazurimo Ramadhan , was the Nomads catalyst and twice delivered crosses that should have produced goals in the 70th minute.

He presented Victor Nyirenda with what looked a certain goal only for the striker to fire wide with the goal at his mercy, then found Milanzi unmarked at the far post, but the striker could not keep his effort down.

Towards the end of the game, Wanderers nearly paid the price for that wastefulness when Red Lions Innocent Bokosi was afforded too much space by Stanely Sanudi but his shot kissed the pole to the relief of the Nomads fans who chanted, “Ambuye Mumatikonda Zikomo ndithu.”

Red Lions were at it again in the 79th minute when Ndaona Limbani was the creator with a wonderful ball to release Bokosi , but he scuffed a half-hit shot across the face of goal.

For all their frailty at the back, Wanderers possessed genuine menace in attack and they carved through Red Lions with ease to restore parity.

Bokosi also was close to secure an equaliser he ran straight at Wanderers defence, riding two challenges and even falling before firing an emphatic shot which was blocked by Richard Chipuwa.

After the last whistle, Wanderers coach Elijah Kananji’s led wild celebrations with his players and backroom staff make a circle before a thanks giving prayer to God, as their supporters were chanting, “ Manoma popita munditenge.”

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