Wizards relegated, Mzuni survive as Wanderers move 5th position: Malawi TNM Super League

Fisd Wizards one-season tenure in the TNM Super League came to an end as they were hammered 3-1 by Mighty Be Forward Wanderers on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre – a result that put the final nail in Wizards’ coffin.

Realistically Wizards, which is stuck on the tail of the log table with 21 points, had to win to keep their survival hopes alive.

But Jabulani Linje’s low strike, a lobbed second from Alfred Manyozo on spot kick and Muhammad Sulumba’s powerful header ensured Wizards top-flight sojourn had ended and will be playing in the Nsenjerre next term.

The Nomads are now fifth – 4 points behind Silver Strikers, which drew 0-0 to Blue Eagles.

All the pre-match debate was about how well Wizards could recover from their 1-0 defeat to Tigers, but coach Peter Mponda picked almost the same starting line-up which started against Tigers with only a few changes.

It was clear in the early stages that there were some weary legs and Wanderers were keen to capitalise, creating a chance for Khumbo Ng’ambi, who headed wide from Isaac Kaliati’s cross wide.

It seemed more mental fatigue than physical tiredness that gifted the Nomads the opener.

However, Wizards nearly converted in the 25th minute when Benard Chimayimba easily outmuscled peter Nselema in the area and as the rest of the Nomads defence stood still, the towering Chimayimba had a free header which went wide to the dismay of his coach Mponda, who watched part of the game on the touchline doing some pep talks to his players.

Wizards were posing the biggest threat as they whizzed the ball around in Wanderers half with Ernest Tambes almost getting on the end of a misplaced Nselema’s shot.

“Believe” has been Wizards mantra in recent weeks and despite Wanderers pressure, the visitors kept trying to hit on the counter-attack but all their efforts looked to be lacking some cutting edge in finishing.

Wizards seemed to have cast aside their earlier stiffness and before the break only a good save from Peter Munthali   denied Chimayimba at close range.

If Mponda’s side needed a reminder of the Nomads threat, it came when Isaac Kaliati played a ball across the face of goal for Linje and Wizards keeper Bright Munthali’s was forced into a double save before Patrick Gunde’s kidding shot went wide.

However, in the second half the game was rocked with tempers, especially from Wizards players.

For instance, when Alfred Manyozo scored on a spot kick he rushed to take the ball inside the net before Wizards keeper Bright Munthali slapped him on the cheek. To spectators surprise no card was flashed to the goalkeeper.

The development caused a commotion, as players exchanged bitter words, while some Wizards players like Ernest Tambe rushed to the referee to utter bitter words accusing him of awarding Wanderers a dubious penalty.

After the match, Wizards coach Peter Mponda conceded that it was all over and emphasized life goes on in the Nsenjjere next term.

“We can say the journey is over in the Super League, but life goes on and l will still keep my squad. But l was not happy with the referee for some decisions’ he made against us,” said Mponda.

Wanderers coach Elijah Kananji was on cloud nine for their victory and stated they will make sure to win the rest of their games.

The blues have been left with two games against Red Lions at home and Airborne Rangers in Chitowe, while Fisds have to face Big Bullets on Wednesday in Blantyre before meeting Blue Eagles in Lilongwe.

Mzuzi survive

Mzuni FC despite losing to Red Lions by 1 goal to nil on Sunday at Zomba Community Centre ground have survived the relagation.

The student’s survival means that they will be back in action in the country’s top flight league next year effectively breaking the jinx which was seeing newly promoted teams from the Simama northern region football league being relegated.

Currently, Mzuni FC lies on 11^th position on the TNM Super League log table and it has 29 points ahead of Dedza on goal difference. Mzuni FC has a game to go and it will face MAFCO FC at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa next week.

Elsewhere, EPAC FC has now 27 points after they dramatically defeated MAFCO FC by 4 goals to 3 on Sunday.

The two teams, EPAC and Dedza FC will face off next weekend at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

Whatever happens in this Dedza Vs EPAC affair won’t affect Mzuni FC in any. Mzuni FC is home and dry.

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