Mwalirino strikes twice before Kaliati seals victory as Wanderers shoot wingless Eagles

Blessings Mwalirino bagged a brace before Isaac Kaliati calmly converted from the spot as Mighty Wanderers warmed up for the 78th TNM Super League Blantyre derby with a convincing 3-1 victory over struggling Blue Eagles.

Pius Saka scored late in the game to give Eagles false hope of a comeback, but the Nomads held firm to stamp their authority over Eagles in what was their fourth successive victory against Blue Eagles.

The win was crucial for the Nomads, who are preparing for a doubleheader encounter against their arch-rivals, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, in both a league game and FDH Bank Cup semifinal clash.

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For Blue Eagles, the defeat was a setback in their pursuit of an Airtel Top 8 spot, and they are currently struggling for form—having won just one game from their last eight league matches.

“Wanderers dispel scoring concerns”

Knowing they have two crucial games in the next 10 days, Wanderers fielded a changed team with key players Stanley Sanudi, Timothy Silwimba, Blessings Singini, and Wisdom Mpinganjira not in the starting lineup. Sanudi and Silwimba were not even in the squad, serving a one-game suspension for accumulating two yellow cards.

Blessings Mwalirino, the last striker for the Nomads to find the net, led the line against the Cops. In defense, Masiya Manda replaced Sanudi, while Cholopi came in for Silwimba as the left center-back. Emmanuel Nyirenda, arguably the most improved player in Wanderers’ squad, retained his place in the starting eleven.

Wanderers were eager to silence their critics regarding scoring woes. Before the game, they had scored the fewest goals among the top six teams with 25, but Wednesday’s three-goal haul took them to 28 goals, making them the third-highest scorers—only Bullets (46) and Silver Strikers (30) have scored more.

Mwalirino opened the scoring 18 minutes into the first half when he pounced on Muhammad Sulumba’s pass. A long ball from Wanderers’ half was missed by the Eagles defense before Sulumba threaded it into the path of Mwalirino, who unleashed a thunderous strike with his powerful right foot into an empty net.

Mwalirino doubled his tally and Wanderers’ lead just 10 minutes later when he powered his way past Sankhani Mkandawire, who was marshalling the defense, before slotting it beyond goalkeeper Precious Masamba.

Wanderers looked in rampant form and won a penalty just minutes before the break. Adam Wallace penetrated into the penalty area, beating defenders before being brought down by Gilbert Chirwa in the box. Kaliati calmly converted from the spot to make it two goals in his last two league games.

Wanderers tried to add more goals in the second half, but Masamba managed to thwart the danger. Sulumba’s attempt in the 56th minute was comfortably saved, and his curling effort from the left flank was also denied by the goalkeeper.

Wanderers made two substitutions to rest players for their next fixture, with Promise Kamwendo and Samson Banda replacing Blessings Mwalirino and Rajab Nyirenda.

Kaliati forced the goalkeeper into a save from a free kick before Wanderers conceded minutes later. Pius Saka was presented with a gilt-edged opportunity when he latched onto a long ball to beat Dalitso Khungwa, who had been unbeaten in goal for over 360 minutes.

Wanderers have now scored three goals in four matches this season—they netted three in their opening fixture against Eagles, and against Mighty Tigers and Kamuzu Barracks in the first round. While many have criticized their profligacy, they responded emphatically on Wednesday.

Struggling Eagles suffer another defeat

Blue Eagles were comprehensively beaten in a defeat they cannot dispute. The match exposed just how poor their recent form has been. Eagles are among the teams heavily reliant on veteran players who are struggling to cope with the intensity.

Sankhani Mkandawire, who has over 15 years of experience in the elite league, was given the starting role. Eagles have now conceded nine goals in three games—they were beaten 3-0 by Silver Strikers and 3-1 by Civil before Wanderers replicated Civil’s scoreline.

Wanderers identified that Mkandawire lacks pace and exploited this weakness by playing direct football with long balls over the top for Mwalirino to chase. Mwalirino scored twice by exploiting Mkandawire’s positioning.

Eagles made two changes before halftime, withdrawing energetic Bennet Kongo for Ganizani James instead of replacing the struggling Mkandawire. Lanken Mwale, who was playing behind the striker, also made way for Gilbert Chirwa, while Andrew Mapemba was substituted for Tonic Viyuyu.

Chirwa lasted just minutes before being penalized for bringing Wallace down, resulting in the penalty for the visitors. Eagles generally failed to contain Wanderers. Their midfield lost possession carelessly, the defense was in disarray, and the attack was toothless.

Their first attempt on goal was feeble, and their second came in the 44th minute when Pius Saka’s weak header was easily saved by Khungwa. Early in the second half, Gilbert Chirwa blazed over the bar with his weaker foot.

Despite pressing for a consolation goal, they left gaps in defense which Wanderers exploited, primarily through the pace of Adam Wallace, though the visitors couldn’t capitalize on all their chances.

Eagles squandered a golden opportunity when Laurent Banda delivered an inviting cross, but Tonic Viyuyu failed to convert with the goalkeeper already beaten.

They grabbed a consolation goal when Emmanuel Nyirenda came off his line and Pius Saka latched onto a long ball to beat the goalkeeper in the 77th minute.

Eagles had two late free kicks but failed to capitalize, and the game ended 3-1, replicating the first-round result.