Blue Eagles close out first round on top after edging past Wanderers

Blue Eagles wrapped up their first-round campaign with a 2-1 win over Mighty Wanderers at Nankhaka Stadium, finishing top of the FDH Bank Premiership table.

The hosts flew out of the blocks. Farhad Mcheka opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and Tonic Viyuyi doubled the lead six minutes later to make it 2-0 inside half an hour.

Wanderers boss reacted immediately, sending on Emmanuel Nyirenda, Mphatso Kamanga and Rajab Nyirenda for Daniel Kudonto, Isaac Kaliati and Timothy Silwimba as he looked to change the picture. It made little difference before the break — Blue Eagles went in 2-0 up at half-time.

More changes followed early in the second half, with Peter Cholopi and Promise Kamwendo introduced for Clement Nyondo and Masiya Manda on 58 minutes. But Blue Eagles — marshalled at the back by Mcheka — continued to stand firm.

Wanderers finally got a foothold in the game on 75 minutes. Sama Thierry Tanjong pounced on a mix-up in the Blue Eagles defence to make it 2-1 and set up a nervy finish.

It proved too little, too late. Blue Eagles saw out the closing stages to seal all three points and take the win.

The result sends Blue Eagles into the second round as first-round champions, sitting top of the table on 31 points from 15 matches — 10 wins, one draw and four defeats — as the standout side of the opening half of the season.