Mpinganjira Blames Fatigue as Wanderers’ Cup Dream Ends in Penalty Heartbreak

Mighty Wanderers have played 32 games in all competitions this season— 21 in league, 2 in Top 8, 2 in CAF Confederation Cup, 1 in Charity Shield, 1 Reserve Bank Cup game and five in FDH Bank Cup. Silver have played 20 league games, 4 CAF games, 4 Airtel Top 8 games, 5 FDH Bank Cup games, 1 FCB Cup game and 1 Reserve Bank Cup game.

Mighty Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira has attributed his team’s defeat to Silver Strikers in the FDH Bank Cup final to fatigue, citing the demanding schedule his side has endured throughout the current campaign.

The Nomads’ quest for their maiden FDH Bank Cup title ended in heartbreak on Sunday at Bingu National Stadium, where they fell 5-4 on penalties to the Central Bankers after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

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It was a cruel end to what had been a remarkable cup run for Wanderers, who came agonizingly close to finally breaking their FDH Bank Cup hoodoo in their first-ever final appearance.

Wanderers’ journey to the final had been nothing short of impressive, with the team showing defensive solidity by conceding just two goals in their four matches leading up to the championship decider.

The Nomads dispatched Mafco FC 3-1 in their opening fixture before edging past Mzuzu City Hammers 2-1. They then survived a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Creck Sporting Club before producing their most significant result—a 1-0 semifinal victory over cross-town rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.

Heading into Sunday’s final, Wanderers were in full swing and brimming with confidence, hopeful of finally ending their FDH Bank Cup jinx.

The match started perfectly for the Nomads when Blessings Singini rose highest to nod home Isaac Kaliati’s corner kick just 24 minutes into the contest, sending the Wanderers faithful into raptures.

For much of the game, it appeared that Wanderers would hold on to claim their first-ever FDH Bank Cup crown. However, Silver Strikers had other plans.

The Central Bankers forced the match into penalties after Maxwell Paipi converted from the spot late in the second half to level matters at 1-1.

In the dramatic shootout that followed, Wanderers’ nerve failed them as they lost 5-4, handing Silver Strikers their second FDH Bank Cup title following their triumph in the tournament’s inaugural season in 2021.

Coach Points to Fatigue

Speaking to Wa Mpira after the match, Mpinganjira praised his players for their efforts despite the disappointing outcome.

“Penalties are very unpredictable—they can go either way. I must commend the guys for working very, very hard,” said Mpinganjira.

“Yes, we have lost, and we didn’t play our usual game. It wasn’t the Wanderers we know. Maybe it was due to fatigue because we have played many games before the final. But at the same time, I’m happy that we tried. We have lost, and we have to forge forward.”

The coach acknowledged that the defeat could have psychological ramifications but emphasized the importance of moving on quickly.

“That’s why we have accepted the defeat. The good thing is that in the league, we are on top, and we have to switch our focus to it and try to remain consistent and secure the championship,” Mpinganjira added.

With the cup dream over, Wanderers will now redirect their attention to the TNM Super League, where they sit atop the standings with 51 points from 21 matches.

Their closest challengers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, trail them in second place, though the Bullets have played one additional game (22 matches).

“We have accepted the result, and we’ll switch our focus to the league. At least we’re on top, and we have to maintain that position, try to secure it, and win the championship,” said Mpinganjira.

Despite the cup final disappointment, Wanderers have enjoyed an excellent season overall. The team has been in fine form in recent weeks, and their league position suggests they remain firm favorites to claim the championship.

However, maintaining that form following such a deflating defeat will be crucial. The mental fortitude to bounce back quickly could define whether the Nomads end their season with silverware or empty-handed.

For now, Mpinganjira and his charges must dust themselves off and refocus on the prize that matters most—the league title that has eluded them for far too long.