Blessings Mwalilino scored the decisive goal in the first half as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers ended their winless run against rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was the Nomads’ first derby triumph over the People’s Team since 2021 — a victory that also came under the stewardship of current head coach Bob Mpinganjira. The result handed Bullets their first league defeat of the season and cemented Wanderers as the only unbeaten side in the 2025 TNM Super League.
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A visibly elated Mpinganjira hailed his charges for their discipline and execution:
“It was a tough game, but I’m happy we’ve won today. I thank the boys for sticking to the plan and playing according to instructions,” he said.
On the opposite end, Bullets head coach Peter Mponda admitted defeat and gave credit to their archrivals.
“We didn’t play well today. Wanderers dominated us in midfield, and we really struggled. Although we improved later, we failed to create clear-cut chances. They deserved the win,” Mponda acknowledged.
Wanderers started brightly, pressing high and controlling possession in the opening stages. Their pressure paid off in the 11th minute when Francisco Madinga’s corner was poorly cleared, allowing Mwalilino to react quickly and slot the ball past Innocent Nyasulu.
Three minutes later, Blessings Singini forced a fine save from Nyasulu as Wanderers continued to dominate the midfield through Madinga, Singini, and Felix Zulu. In response, Mponda introduced Frank Willard for Clyde Senaji, with Yankho Singo dropping to left-back in an effort to stabilize the team.
The change had an immediate impact, with Chikumbutso Salima creating opportunities down the flank. However, Maxwell Phodo failed to control in the box, while Wisdom Mpinganjira and Gaddie Chirwa also came close but couldn’t find the target.
At halftime, Mponda made further changes, bringing on Chawanangwa Gumbo and Henry Chiwaya for Lloyd Aaron and Mike Mkwate. Bullets pushed forward, but Wanderers’ defensive pairing of Peter Cholopi and Stanley Sanudi effectively neutralized threats from Babatunde Adepoju and Salima.
The Nomads also refreshed their attack with Clement Nyondo and Masiya Manda replacing Chirwa and Kamwendo, while Bullets brought on Ephraim Kondowe for Wongani Lungu at the hour mark.
Nyondo thought he had doubled the lead in the 71st minute, but his fine strike was ruled out for offside. Wanderers then introduced Nanison Mbewe and Emmanuel Nyirenda to reclaim midfield control, replacing Zulu and Madinga.
The Nomads nearly scored a second goal when their effort struck the crossbar, before Mwalilino made way for Isaac Kaliati in the 85th minute. Bullets applied late pressure, with Babatunde’s close-range effort tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Chancy Mtete in a heroic save that preserved Wanderers’ lead.
The win moves Mighty Wanderers up to second place with 16 points from six matches — five wins and one draw — while Bullets remain top with 18 points from seven games, having won six and lost one.
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