Moyale, Wanderers Share Spoils in Rumphi

Moyale Barracks and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers played out an entertaining 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon at Rumphi Stadium in a Super League encounter that had moments of tension, creativity, and missed chances from both ends.

The match got underway under perfect conditions, with the visitors enjoying early possession but struggling to break through a well-organized Moyale backline.

Wanderers created the first real threat in the 12th minute when Blessings Singini unleashed a powerful shot from distance. Moyale goalkeeper Olisy Nkhwazi produced a stunning save, and Blessings Mwalilino failed to convert the rebound in what was a golden opportunity for the Nomads to take the lead.

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Midway through the half, both sides had injury scares and stoppages, with Gaddie Chirwa and Isaac Kaliati requiring medical attention following separate incidents. Moyale made their first substitution just after the 20-minute mark, introducing Walusungu Mdoka for Bonface Chuma, shortly before Robert Mphezi was shown a yellow card for a rash challenge.

Despite Wanderers continuing to dominate possession, clear-cut chances were few. A promising combination between Chirwa and Kaliati in the 35th minute led to a dangerous cross into the box, but it failed to find a teammate. The first half ended goalless, with both sides showing flashes of quality but lacking the finishing touch.

The second half came to life just seven minutes in when Promise Kamwendo broke the deadlock with a powerful strike to put Wanderers 1-0 up. The goal injected pace into the match, with Moyale responding by introducing Teaser Nyirenda for Mphezi.

Moyale nearly restored parity on the hour mark, but Chancy Mtete produced a fantastic save to deny Raphael Phiri from close range. The Nomads were then forced into changes as Kaliati and Chirwa were substituted for Wallace Adam and Masiya Manda following knocks.

Moyale found their equaliser in the 70th minute when Jimmy Viyuyu finished off a brilliant cross from Raphael Phiri, sending the home crowd into celebration. The final minutes of the game were end-to-end, with Adam and Manda getting involved in key plays. Adam fired narrowly over the bar in the 81st minute, and Manda picked up a yellow card two minutes later for a foul that gave Moyale a free kick, though it was poorly executed.

With six minutes added, Wanderers piled forward in search of a late winner, but Moyale remained solid defensively. Goalkeeper Olisy Nkhwazi required medical attention in the dying moments, temporarily halting play, but eventually resumed and helped see out the result.

Referee Misheck Juba blew the final whistle with the scoreline level at 1-1. Moyale’s defender Maneno Nyoni was named Man of the Match for his resolute performance at the back.

The draw leaves both teams with work to do in the title race, but the spirited display from both sides left the fans at Rumphi Stadium entertained.

(Credit for pictures used in this publication goes to Mikel Images)