Fans chant ‘Tiyipemelele Tiyipatse Moto’ as Wanderers land in Tanzania for Champions League showdown

Mighty Wanderers were given a rapturous send-off by their travelling army of supporters as the Malawian giants touched down in Dar es Salaam, ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes CAF Champions League clash with Simba Sports Club.

Fans, complete with drums, chants and colourful club regalia, descended on Julius Nyerere International Airport to greet the Nomads as they arrived for the second leg of their preliminary round tie — a fixture that could decide whether Wanderers advance in Africa’s premier club competition.

Among the animated welcoming party was the club’s popular cheerleader Bwede, sponsored by club partner Kingboss, who whipped up the crowd with the team’s rousing anthem ‘Tiyipemelele tiyipatse moto‘ — drawing curious glances from onlookers unfamiliar with the spectacle.

The Nomads’ charter touched down at 7.50pm local time, following a one hour and 45 minute flight from Blantyre.

The travelling delegation includes a 21-man playing squad, and is being led by Football Association of Malawi executive committee member Daud Mtanthiko.

The team is based at the Serenity Spa Hotel ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

Wanderers face a daunting task against Tanzanian heavyweights Simba, who boast one of the most formidable home records in East African football and have long been fixtures in continental competition.

The tie represents a significant test for the Malawian side as they push for progression in this year’s Champions League campaign, with qualification to the next round hanging in the balance.

Sunday’s second leg will determine which side advances to the next stage of the preliminary rounds, as both clubs eye a spot deeper into Africa’s most prestigious club competition.