Kaliati strikes twice as Wanderers hammer Dedza Dynamos

After suffering two consecutive away defeats, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers secured a crucial victory over Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos on Saturday afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium in their 9th fixture of the 2024 TNM Super League campaign. They kicked off their post-Ramadan era with a convincing 3-1 win.

Isaac Kaliati came off the bench at halftime to cushion the pressure on Mwase who oversaw his first assignment as in-charge of the technical panel.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

Meck Mwase’s decision to start the three strikers, Christopher Kumwembe, Clement Nyondo, and Sama Tanjong proved effective for the Nomads early in the game as the former Civil Service United striker, Kumwembe gave them an early lead in the third minute of the match. He headed home a cross from Wisdom Mpinganjira, resulting from a swift counter-attack.

The goal halted Dedza Dynamos’ promising start, as they were the first to launch an attack. A clever play from Lameck Gamphani had initially given their supporters hope.

Driven by the early goal, Wanderers took control of the match, enjoying the majority of possession. Dedza Dynamos’ captain, Justice Chihoma, was shown a yellow card in the 10th minute for a foul.

However, the Nomads’ defensive confidence led to a setback as a lapse resulted in Chifuniro Mpinganjira equalizing with a rebound goal in the 20th minute.

Tensions began to rise, and Victor Lungu received a yellow card in the 33rd minute for a reckless foul on Blessings Singini.

The Nomads ended the first half strongly, earning a free kick at the edge of the box, but the game went into recess with both teams scoring a goal each following the visitors’ tremendous clearance.

Mwase introduced Kaliyati and Zulu at halftime, replacing Nyondo and debutant Tanjong. The former Mighty Tigers midfielder made an immediate impact, restoring the Nomads’ lead just seven minutes into the second half, in the 53rd minute.

Despite Mpinganjira receiving a yellow card, Wanderers continued to dominate. They extended their lead in the 65th minute when Kaliyati headed home a Cholopi assist following a well-taken corner kick by Sanudi.

In the 71 minutes, Dedza Dynamos introduced Ibrahim Sadik for Ochaya Okoti Otim to strengthen their midfield and prevent further penetration by the Nomads.

Another substitution for the Nomads occurred in the 76th minute, with Francisco Madinga replacing Mpinganjira. In the 86th minute, Rodwell Robert came on for Marko Chiwaya as Dedza Dynamos searched for late goals, but their efforts were in vain.

Reacting to his first win as Wanderers’ head coach, Meck Mwase expressed his happiness and satisfaction with the team’s performance.

“We started with three strikers because we wanted to win. When we realized we had slacked a bit in the first half, we adjusted our approach in the second half. Fortunately, we scored two goals in the second half, securing the win and three points. I am proud,” said Mwase.

On the other hand, Dynamos’ coach Andrew Bunya conceded defeat, stating that his team failed to capitalize on their chances.

“We created several opportunities that our strikers couldn’t convert in the first half. We brought in fresh legs in the second half to contain Wanderers in the midfield, but it wasn’t enough,” he said.

Following the win, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers moved to fourth place with 15 points from nine games. Meanwhile, Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos now sit in nineth place with 11 points from nine games played.

Elsewhere, Creck Sporting Club won 2-1 over MAFCO FC, FOMO FC secured a 2-1 victory over Mzuzu City Hammers, and Moyale triumphed 1-0 over Mighty Tigers.

All eyes are now on tomorrow’s highly anticipated showdown between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium.