Chimbaka on-form as Nomads beat Escom
Mighty Wanderers inflicted pain to limping Escom United in the TNM Super League as they claimed a 1-0 win on Saturday at Balaka Stadium.
The Electricians, who are still anchoring the League’s log table were second best for most of the contest.
The thorn in their side was striker Gerald Chimbaka, who was a constant threat and deservedly capped an impressive performance and was crowned man-of-the match.
Escom were exposed in the first six minutes of the match, as their defender, Bashir Maunde tackled the Nomads dangerous raider Victor Mpinganjira in the eighteen yard box forcing the man in charge of the match Owen Gwelere to award the Nomads a penalty.
However, Escom United players and their officials on the dugout protested the penalty and threatened not to continue with the match.
United technical panel could be seen encouraging their players to come out of the field of play but after some consultations, the electricians obliged the spot kick, which Nomads engine room Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo converted.
The Nomads, who dominated the midfield led by Gerald Chimbaka, Joseph Kamwendo and Nafe Msasa could have scored more goals but Anthony Banda squandered many scoring opportunities.
But it was not all one-way traffic as United had chances of their own, though not as good or as numerous as their hosts
In the 36th minute, they tried to penetrate the Nomads defence through their hit-man Manase Chiyesa and Noel ‘Amfumu’ Mkandawire but were kept at bay by Nomads defence led by Foster ‘Zagaf’ Namwera, Francis Mlimbika and Stewart Gerald.
On recess time, it was the Nomads 1-0 to the electricians.
In the second half, Escom United were more organized in defence as Maunde stood firmly by pinning Anthony Banda hard.
When the Nomads introduced Bongani Kaipa in defence for Gerald Phiri, who sustained an injury, their lion heartened left back Francis Mlimbika was switched to the left wing.
After the final whistle, the Nomads assistant coach Felix Fosco praised their boys for their outstanding performance while his counterpart for Escom United, Charles Manda blamed poor officiation to their loss.
