Wanderers start season with impressive win against Silver: Malawi TNM Super League

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers campaign for 2016/17 TNM Super League title started on a positive note on Sunday after beating Lilongwe giants Silver Strikers 2-1 in the first game at the bankers’ backyard.

They had to come from behind thanks to goals from Francis Mlimbika and substitute Peter Wadabwa who scored the winner.

Wadabwa joined the Nomads from Silver.

This was a new determined Wanderers- calm, committed, composed and yes, even clinical.

Wadabwa came on as a substitute for Jabulani Linje with the two giants level at 1-all before breaking the hearts of his former team-mate with a classic goal 10 minutes from time.

He received a pass from Nigerian Amos Beld just outside the 18-yard box, controlled the ball with his right before releasing a left footer, which gave Silver goalkeeper Blessings Kamiza no chance.

The visiting Nomads had trailed the Central Bankers earlier in the game after new signing Duncan Nyoni had given the hosts a 17th minute lead with a close range header of a Mathews Sibale free-kick.

Captain Francis Mlimbika levelled for the Nomads on the half hour after picking a rebound from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Both sides made changes in the second half with Silver replacing Chimwemwe Chisambi and their goal-scorer with Tizgowere Kumwenda and Thuso Paipi on the resumption before introducing forgotten winger Blessings Tembo for Mark Fodya.

Wanderers rested Patrick Gunde for Rafik Namwera before introducing Wadabwa. The impressive Nigerian striker was also rested for Khumbo Ng’ambi after picking up a knock.

Ng’ambi nearly engineered a third goal for the Nomads after sending an inviting cross inside Silver’s box but Luka Milanzi connected the ball over the cross-bar with only the goalkeeper at his mercy.

Silver’s coach Lovemore Fazili conceded defeat after the whistle, explaining his charges lost the plot in the second half.

“We had a grand first half but we lost steam in the second half. But we have a good team and we will bounce back after rectifying our mistakes,” said Fazili.

Wanderers’ technical director Jack ‘Africa’ Chamangwana said his team struggled in the first half but picked up in the last half after pep-talk.

“We struggled in the first half, especially the first two minutes but after talking to the boys at half time and making some changes, things changed for the better.

“It’s important to win the first game and we will now be focusing on our next assignment,” said Chamangwana.

“I believe that this current Nomads squad is good enough to win the league,” added assistant team manager Steve Madeira said after the game.

Elsewhere

At the Chitowe Stadium, Lilongwe based Police outfit Blue Eagles narrowly beat new comers Dwangwa United 1-0  from the spot through former Wanderers’ striker Victor Nyirenda.

Dwangwa United Team Manager Dave Mwandira described the much as tough since it was their first competitive match since they earned promotion from the Chipiku Central Region Football League (CRFL) into the elite league.

Blue Eagles coach Deklerk Msakakuona was delighted with the three points earned but admitted it was a tough match.-Additional reporting by Zawadi Chilunga, Nyasa Times

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