Mighty Wanderers’ dream of finishing the 2025 TNM Super League season as invincibles was shattered on Wednesday afternoon as Mzuzu City Hammers produced one of the biggest shocks of the campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory at Mzuzu Stadium.
The Nomads, playing their 25th match of the season, went into the game with a belief that the relegation-threatened Hammers would offer little resistance. The script changed dramatically as the hosts fought with intensity, discipline and desire to claim three vital points in their survival mission.
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Promise Kamwendo put Wanderers ahead in the 55th minute, rising to meet a fine delivery from Timothy Silwimba. The goal placed the Nomads in pole position to go top of the table. However, the match turned around in the final stages. Samson Olatubosun equalised in the 73rd minute when he connected a well delivered free kick from Madalitso Safuli. In the fourth minute of added time Isaiah Nyirenda punished the visitors from close range after goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa had parried a shot from substitute Chimwemwe Chunga.
Wanderers went into the match believing they would collect maximum points, especially looking at Hammers’ position in the relegation zone. Victory would have pushed them three points clear of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets with the same number of matches played. Instead, the defeat has left them under pressure as Bullets are still leading the table with a superior goal difference.
For Hammers, the win brought renewed hope in their fight to remain in the league.
The match began with Hammers missing a golden chance inside the opening minutes. A free kick in the second minute was headed off target.
Wanderers had an early chance in the tenth minute but the flag was up. More chances followed with Silwimba and Wallace threatening, while Sama forced a brilliant save from goalkeeper Oblak Mwakisambe in the seventeenth minute.
Hammers grew stronger in midfield, winning key duels and forcing Wanderers into misplaced passes. After a water break in the 24th minute, both teams continued pushing for the opener but the first half ended goalless.
The second half started late due to an incident in the tunnel where an unknown individual splashed a liquid substance on the Hammers goalkeeper. When play resumed it was Wanderers who struck first through Kamwendo in the fifty fifth minute.
Wanderers substituted Rajab Nyirenda for Blessings Singini in the 60th minute. Hammers responded by introducing Isaac Msiska and Chimwemwe Chunga for Moses Gwayi and Hassan Luwembe in the sixty sixth minute.
In the 70th minute Olatubosun forced Khungwa into a save. Three minutes later he restored parity from a Madalitso Safuli free kick. Hammers were later forced to change goalkeepers as Mwakisambe was replaced by Innocent Kamwambi in the 77th minute.
Wanderers brought in Blessings Mwalilino and Lawrence Chaziya for Adam Wallace and Dan Kudonto in the 82nd minute. Chaziya has recently struggled for game time and the lack of match fitness showed as he could not command the backline as expected from a captain of his stature.
Hammers made further changes in the eighty ninth minute, bringing in Alex Orotomal and Chisomo Sambani for Safuli and Olatubosun. Wanderers continued to search for a late winner but wasted clear openings, including a big miss by Zulu in the 90th minute.
The killer moment arrived in the fourth minute of added time when Isaac Msiska reacted quickly to send the home fans into celebrations. The final whistle confirmed a historic win for the Hammers.
Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira accepted the defeat and remained positive about their title chances.
“We tried our best to play well and create chances but when you do not score you get punished. I cannot point out where we went wrong. It has just been a bad day. We will go back to the drawing board to see where we can improve as we aim for the league title,” he said.
Mzuzu City Hammers coach Elias Chirambo praised his players and reiterated his belief that the team will avoid relegation.
“Now everything is okay with the team. My players listened and we got maximum points. We had a weak squad at the start of the season but we have assembled a good one now. I said when I took charge that we will play every match like a cup final. We have three games to go and I am targeting nine points. We will not be relegated,” he said.
The log table shows Bullets and Wanderers tied on 56 points, although Bullets lead because of a superior goal difference. Wanderers have now surrendered control and must win their remaining matches while hoping Bullets slip.
Silver Strikers sit third on 47 points with two games in hand. As defending champions, they remain firmly in contention. Should they win both outstanding fixtures, they would move to 53 points and re-join the pressure zone. Their experience in handling tight finishes makes them a dangerous late challenger.
The title chase is now a three-team affair. Bullets have the advantage but Wanderers and Silver remain alive.
Bullets will travel to Karonga United on Saturday, December 6. Karonga are fourth with 40 points and are very strong at home. The fixture is difficult for Bullets and any slip could open the door for Wanderers and Silver.
Wanderers will be away to Chitipa United who sit seventh with 36 points. Chitipa have been unpredictable but solid at home. Wanderers must avoid a repeat of the mistakes seen in Mzuzu to stay in the title race.
Silver Strikers will host Songwe Border United who are bottom with 6 points. On paper it is the easiest of the three fixtures. Silver are expected to collect maximum points which would strengthen their title defence mission.
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