KB, Nomads share spoils in emotional match: Malawi TNM Super League

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers on Saturday, 23 May 2015 relinquished the top spot to their rivals Big Bullets after being held to a 1-all draw by determined Kamuzu Barracks in an emotional TNM Super League affair played before a big crowd at Dedza Stadium.

Missing the services of left back Francis Mlimbika and hitman Muhamed Sulumba, who are on Cosafa Cup duty with the Flames in South Africa, the Nomads took the lead after just a quarter of an hour- courtesy of their newly discovered match-maker Jabulani Linje.

Partnering Jimmy Zakazaka upfront, the former Civo United striker beat KB goalkeeper Amadu Ali from close range after exchanging passes with his striking partner.

KB engaged an extra gear after conceding the goal and started causing problems in the Nomads’ defence but the visitors survived up to the half-time whistle.

The Nomads could not survive anymore after restart as took the soldiers just two minutes to level the scores through Kelvin Hanganda, who volleyed home a pass from Asedi Ajasi.

The hosts nearly added a second a few minutes later but Manase Chiesa wasted a glorious opportunity by taking a weak shot at goalkeeper Bester Phiri with only the keeper at his mercy.

Sensing danger, Wanderers’ coach Elia Kananji brought in Lionel Asu for Malumbo Gondwe but the Cameroonian striker was well policed by the hosts defence.

KB coach Temwa Msuku expressed satisfaction with the 1-all draw but felt his side could have gone up after levelling the scores.

“Considering the way we started the league, I am satisfied. We struggled heavily at the very beginning but the boys have now picked up. Although Wanderers took the lead, their standard of play was not that convincing and we could have easily scored two to three goals in the second half,” said Msuku.

His counterpart Elia Kananji said he was not happy with the result and accused referee Brighton Gwiritso of letting the soldiers go away with punishable offences.

“I am not satisfied. The referee was not in control of the game,” he said.

“Our players were being manhandled by Kamuzu Barracks’ players right inside the field of play but the referee was not taking any action. Our boys were intimidated and we did not play our game,” said Kananji, who faces another stern test against Blue Eagles at Nankhaka ground Sunday.

With the draw, the Nomads have relinquished the top spot to Bullets on goal difference following the People’s team’s 1-0 victory over Mafco at Kamuzu Stadium.

Both Bullets and Wanderers have 14 points from six games.

Wanderers will have a chance to reclaim their top position if they get a point  at Blue Eagles.

Sharing is caring!