Mighty Wanderers finally settled a long-running fixture on Sunday afternoon with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ekhaya FC in a pulsating TNM Super League clash at Kamuzu Stadium. Promise Kamwendo rose highest in the 59th minute to head home a well-curled corner kick from Dan Kudonto, sealing three crucial points in a season now defined by the narrowest of margins.

The match had carried unusual weight even before kick-off. First scheduled for October, it was pushed forward due to Wanderers’ FDH Bank Cup fixtures. A November 5 attempt to play the game ended prematurely after heavy rains forced abandonment in the 52nd minute.

Off the pitch, whispers and theories added heat to the build-up as some speculated that the Thomson Mpinganjira family’s links to both clubs could tilt the balance. But when the referee blew the whistle on December 7, the football itself delivered the only truth that mattered.

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Wanderers began brightly, testing goalkeeper Joshua Waka within the opening minutes. Muhammad Sulumba was lively but wasteful, heading wide in the 5th minute and having another attempt cleared off the line by Joseph McDonald in the 6th. Ekhaya responded with a chance of their own when Levison Mnyenyembe shot wide from the edge of the box.

The Nomads dictated much of the first half, with Gaddie Chirwa tormenting defenders on either flank while Sulumba and Kamwendo both missed clear openings. Blessings Singini struck the crossbar with a screamer in the 41st minute as Wanderers ended the half ruing a catalogue of missed opportunities.

The second half continued in the same pattern. Wanderers pressed, won early corners, and nearly saw a bizarre moment unfold when Waka and Sulumba collided mid-air after a teasing ball from Kaliati. Changes followed, with Blessings Mwalilino and Wisdom Mpinganjira entering the fray to replace Sulumba and Kaliati as the Nomads searched for a breakthrough. Ekhaya also made adjustments, including the forced withdrawal of Emmanuel Saviel earlier in the match due to injury—replaced by Clever Chikwata.

The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute. Kudonto swung in a perfect corner, and Kamwendo powered it home, sending the blue side of Kamuzu Stadium into delirium. From there, Wanderers controlled proceedings with calmness, stringing passes together and frustrating Ekhaya’s attempts to find rhythm.

The visitors did fashion moments of promise, particularly through Clever Chikwata and Wongani Kaponya, but Dalitso Khungwa remained alert between the posts. Kudonto and Manda were later booked as the game grew physically tense, while Wanderers survived late pressure to secure the result.

At full time, the goal stood as the difference, and Kudonto was named Player of the Match for his industry, defensive coverage, and the decisive assist.

Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira was all smiles following the result, assuring supporters that his team would keep fighting gallantly until the final day of the league.

“A very good result. At least we have three points in our bag from a difficult game. I am happy. We are looking forward and will take each game as it comes,” he said.

Ekhaya head coach Enos Chatama conceded defeat but acknowledged his team’s hard work despite the costly blunder.

“It was a tough game considering that we were meeting a team that is fighting to win the title. We planned to contain them in the first half and attack in the final half. We will fight to get at least seven points from the remaining four games to finish in a desirable position,” he said.

Beyond the ninety minutes, the result reshaped the complexion of the title race. Wanderers now sit level on 59 points with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets after 26 games each, separated only by goal difference. Bullets hold the stronger numbers in combined attack and defence, having scored 54 goals and conceded 18 for a difference of 36, while Wanderers’ superb defensive record of only 12 goals conceded is overshadowed by their tally of 40 goals scored, leaving them with a difference of 28.

Silver Strikers, who have played 25 games, remain a quiet but dangerous threat. Their 53 points keep them within touching distance, and their goal difference of 27—built from 43 scored and 16 conceded—shows they possess the balance to challenge both leaders. Victory in their game in hand would push them to 56 points, only three behind, as the race approaches its final stretch.

With each team set to complete 30 matches, the remaining fixtures promise a dramatic finish. Bullets carry the weight of experience. Wanderers carry the fire of belief and a defence almost impenetrable. Silver carry the advantage of an extra game and momentum that cannot be ignored. The league table has tightened, and every moment from here has the feel of a story not yet told.

On a cold but sun-kissed Blantyre afternoon, it was Wanderers who took a step forward. The title, however, remains in a restless chase, refusing to settle until the final whistle of the season.

Featured image: Ekhaya Media