Kaunda rescues Nomads to return to summit: Malawi TNM Super League

Substitute Mapopa Kaunda rescued Mighty Be Forward Wanderers from imminent arrest when he struck within the last 15 minutes to earn the high spending Nomads a 1-all draw against Blue Eagles in a tough TNM Super League encounter played at Nankhaka Ground in Lilongwe’s Area 30.

The car dealers from the commercial city of Blantyre were just a few minutes away from suffering their first defeat of the season when Kaunda ghosted inside the cops D-zone to beat goalkeeper John Soko from close range.

The youthful striker had been introduced for ineffective Jimmy Zakazaka five minutes before claiming a vital point for the visitors.

Eagles, who are also unbeaten in the 15-team league were the first to score- courtesy of a Schumaker Kuwali 29th minute header of a cross from Elia Kabingu.

While the hosts expressed satisfaction with the result, there were signs of discontent in the Nomads’ camp considering the huge investment the club has made in the acquisition of star players like Isaac Kaliati, Stanley Sanudi, Jimmy Zakazaka, Rafik Mussa, Jabulani Linje and much touted Cameroonian striker Lionel Asu.

Mussa did not disappoint the Nomads’ faithful after putting up a man-of-the-match display on the centre of the pitch but the Zakazaka, Asu pair upfront was a disappointment.

In the first half, the Cameroonian striker failed to capitalise on a defensive blunder by a Blue Eagles defender, who kicked the ball right in front of him on the edge of the D-zone but the Wanderers’ forward failed to control the ball and take a shot at goal.

Wanderers coach Elia Kananji admitted it was not a vintage display by his side but was quick to accept what he had got from the region where he got maximum six points from last week’s visit.

“It was not a very good display from our side but we have to accept what God has given us.

“ It was not easy playing against Kamuzu Barracks and Blue Eagles, who are all tough sides but I can say Eagles played a good game of football unlike our yesterday’s opponents, who were not playing football but war,” said Kananji.

His counterpart Deklerk Msakakuona welcomed the result.

“We scored first and Wanderers equalised after a mistake at our back. On my part this is a fair result because Wanderers were also looking for a win after failing to get maximum points yesterday.”

With the point, Wanderers are back on the driving seat with 15 points from six games, a point ahead of their bitter rivals Big Bullets who now have a game in hand.

Eagles are fourth with 12 points from six games.

 

 

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