Maonga Strikes Late at Kamuzu Stadium, Breaks Nomads’ Hearts

Mighty Wanderers were on the verge of a statement win on Sunday afternoon, but a stunning last-gasp free kick from Chinsisi Maonga salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw for Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium.

The TNM Super League clash looked destined to end goalless until substitute Blessings Mwalilino capitalized on a defensive blunder by George Chikooka in the 91st minute to put the Nomads ahead. However, their celebrations were short-lived. Just two minutes later, Maonga stepped up with the last kick of the game to bury a beautifully struck free kick, breaking the hearts of the Wanderers faithful.

A Tactical Tug of War

Both teams opted for a crowded midfield setup, packing five players each in the center of the park, which led to a cagey and highly contested opening. Wanderers created the first notable chance in the 6th minute when Clement Nyondo fired over from a corner. Moments later, Precious Sambani also went close, guiding a shot just wide following a slick pass from Chimwemwe Idana.

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Wanderers had a penalty appeal turned down after Nyondo appeared to be fouled in the box, and Silver began to press. Stanley Sanudi made two vital blocks to deny the visitors, while Chikooka pulled off a strong save to thwart Promise Kamwendo.

Francisco Madinga squandered a free kick opportunity, blasting over just after the half-hour mark. Uchizi Vunga also missed narrowly before Maonga rattled the crossbar in the dying minutes of the first half. The break arrived with both sides still searching for a breakthrough.Silver Strikers coach Peter Mgangira rang the changes at halftime, bringing in Emmanuel Allan and Levison Maganizo. Allan nearly made an immediate impact but was denied by Mtete’s sharp reflexes. At the other end, Gaddie Chirwa and Blessings Singini forced Chikooka into more critical saves, while Allan again went close in the 62nd minute.

Bob Mpinganjira responded with tactical substitutions, introducing Mwalilino and Isaac Kaliati for Madinga and Nyondo, while Dan Sandukira replaced the injured Sambani. Zebron Kalima also came in for Festus Duwe.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 91st minute when a long ball caused chaos in the Silver Strikers defense. Chikooka misjudged his clearance, and Mwalilino pounced to fire the Nomads into the lead.

But the Nomads’ joy quickly turned to despair. In the 93rd minute, Maonga curled a brilliant free kick past Mtete to snatch a point for the defending champions, silencing the home crowd.

After the match, Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted his disappointment with the result but praised his team’s effort.

“That’s how football is — just when you think it’s done, you can be hurt. But I congratulate the boys; they put in a gallant fight. I’m just disappointed with the result,” he said.

Silver Strikers coach Peter Mgangira acknowledged the quality of the Nomads but felt a draw was a fair result.

“As defending champions, things haven’t gone well for us, but considering we were away from home and the kind of match it was, a draw is acceptable,” he noted.
Despite the draw, Wanderers remain second on the table with 13 points from five games (four wins and one draw), having dropped their first points of the season. Silver Strikers sit 10th with 8 points from two wins, two draws, and a loss.