Chirambo’s tactical masterpiece: How Ramadan perturbed in Hammers’ convincing win

Coach Ellias Chirambo was immersed in celebration after claiming a historical 2-0 win over Mighty Mukuru Wanderers. It was another morale-milking performance and results for the Nomads who aim to regain their 2017 class.

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After a morale-sapping 2-0 defeat to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets last weekend, Ellias Chirambo preached to his boys in the locker room about the importance of gnashing results over the Nomads.

Isaac Msiska’s two first-half goals were enough for the Betika Malawi-sponsored team to move to second place with 16 points from 8 games played this season after a convincing 2-0 win over the Nomads. They have lost just two games this season. Indeed they flustered the Nomads.

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers spent over MK32 Million on [signing of] six players who started in the game [Lawrence Chaziya, Gaddie Chirwa, Clement Nyondo, Blessings Singini, Mphatso Kamanga, Timothy Silwimba] while Hammers spent less than MK2 Million in the squad as they rely on their junior side, paying development fees to smaller teams and free agent due to financial constraints. However, Chirambo outfoxed his counterpart against the odds.

Compact midfield to circumvent Nomads

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ technical panel decided to shift from their usual 4-4-2 to a flat 4-3-3 formation allowing Mphatso Kamanga to sit above Blessings Singini-Balikinyo Mwakanyongo double pivot but this was not enough to shoulder Hammers’ 4-5-1 flowing attack.

Midfield overload pocketed spaces that Wanderers could use and they only managed four tangible goal attempts in the first half. Tall and energetic Teaser Nyirenda used his height to win aerial battles against Wanderers’ midfield allowing Wongan Lungu to explore spaces in Nomads half.

Ekwendeni Hammers isolated Jimmy Msiska as three attackers, Chimwemwe Chunga, Chisomo Sambani, and Isaiah Nyirenda all dropped to add numbers in midfield.

Slippery Hammers proved to be a nightmare for the visitors when attacking and their speed earned them a free kick that Erik Kaonga whipped in to spot Jimmy Msiska who beat William Thole [who made his first start after seven weeks] with a clinical header.

Hammers’ well-executed game plan in midfield paralyzed Wanderers forcing the coach to make a first-half substitute as he needed a silent workhorse, Felix Zulu to replace Kamanga. They prevented Singini from dictating the midfield.

Halt Wanderers’ wingers

Ramadan was limited in wings with Isaac Kaliati, the scorer of the team’s goal in Blantyre Derby was absent from the match day squad after a reported flu infection.

Pacy Gaddie Chirwa and dribbling Wisdom Mpinganjira were limited to delivering against the Hammers. Erik Kaonga and Chikumbutso Henderson were good enough for the two wingers.

Striker, Clement Nyondo who was the winner of last season’s Golden Boot couldn’t be effective in the game. He scored the winning goal against Karonga United but he couldn’t save the Nomads against flying Hammers.

Using flying and slippery wingers

Chimwemwe Chunga is clever, Isaiah Nyirenda has a selfishless character, and Hammers were good in attack. Hammers tore the script to shreds with first-half goals from Msiska. The wingers were doing what they were supposed to do and when.

Chirambo needed his team to be compacted at the back and at the same time aggressive and composure to finish in the box. Hammers’ second goal gave the picture of how the Coach wanted his players to play in the breakaway. A swift attack allowed Nyirenda to spot Chunga’s movement, he
immaculately laid it off to the inverted winger. Despite the number 10 being brought down in the penalty area, arguably the best referee in the Northern Region, Davie Chinoko paved the way for Msiska to finish up the brilliant team move.

Hammers’ wingers cushioned the team as Wanderers were cautious to prevent them from the mauling.

Using clinical Msiska

Isaac Msiska graduated from the team’s junior teams. He has plundered six goals this season. He made the difference on Saturday when he was needed most.

Mzuzu City Hammers are dreaming of becoming the first Northern Region Football team to win the league and if they are to realize the dream, Msiska can be a key role.

His movement to latch on Erik Kaonga’s free-kick described his quality as he beat the Nomads to plant his header behind the keeper, Thole. His second goal was also beautiful. Not only good at converting chances into goals, but Msiska is also a good play linker as his combination with the wide attackers gave Wanderers a tough time.

Msiska’s pace pinned the Nomads back-line to have a sense of defending. He grappled with the defenders for the ball, the quality of a good center-forward.

Featured image: Chifundo Zingunde