Nomads Sweat for Victory, Hammers Call Nomads’ Penalty Dubious

Mighty Wanderers opened a five-point gap at the top of the TNM Super League standings after claiming a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mzuzu City Hammers at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

A 91st-minute penalty goal from substitute Isaac Kaliati was enough for the Nomads to secure their 10th win of the season, but it was not easy, as Hammers’ goalkeeper Joseph Fulawu denied the Nomads several times, earning the Man of the Match award.

The hosts made several changes to their starting XI from the team that beat Ekhaya FC last week, with Masiya Manda, Wallace Adam, and Blessings Mwalilino handed starts, replacing Stanley Sanudi, Wisdom Mpinganjira, and Isaac Kaliati.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

Wanderers started brightly in search of an early goal, with Wallace Adam’s shot going wide, followed by Francisco Madinga’s free kick sailing over the bar, and Eric Kaonga sending his attempt off-target within the opening 10 minutes.

The Nomads continued to dominate possession as they pushed for a breakthrough, but the Hammers closed all the spaces. Wallace’s shot was saved by Fulawu before Wisdom Mpinganjira came on for Wallace in the 33rd minute, while Akeem Abioye replaced Kennedy Seme 10 minutes later.

The Nomads kept pressing in the second half. Masiya Manda sent a shot over the bar before Jollen Kanyinji replaced Samuel Amos for the Hammers, while Promise Kamwendo made way for Isaac Kaliati after the hour mark. Last season’s top scorer, Kaliati, later fired wide in the 73rd minute.

Frustration grew for the hosts, who were desperate to avoid dropping points at home. Fulawu continued to frustrate them with key saves. Piarson Mbizi came in for Samson Olatubosun before Blessings Mwalilino blasted his attempt over the bar. In the 89th minute, Mpinganjira was fouled in the box, and Kaliati converted from the spot to seal the win.

Speaking after the game, Mighty Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira saluted his players for fighting hard to claim the victory.

“It was a tough game, like I said before. Our friends are at the bottom of the league, so they need points, and they closed us down, making it hard for us to penetrate. But thanks to our boys for working hard. We got a penalty, which he converted,” said Mpinganjira.

He also defended the decision to field relatively irregular players like Wallace Adam and Masiya Manda, saying the team needs every player active due to the demanding league schedule, and that squad rotation is necessary.

Meanwhile, Mzuzu City Hammers head coach Elias Chirambo strongly criticized the penalty decision, calling it dubious and suggesting it was influenced by home advantage.

“It was a good game, and my players played very well. We managed the game, but the referee gave them a penalty which was not a penalty. We came here to defend because we knew we were playing away and against the referees, so it’s sad that it ended like this,” said Chirambo.

However, he dismissed suggestions that his team will be relegated, stating that he returned to help the club survive and is confident they will finish in the top eight.

The win takes the Nomads to 32 points at the top of the league, having recorded 10 wins and two draws to remain unbeaten. The Hammers remain 15th with eight points from two wins, two draws, and eight defeats.

(Pictures courtesy of Milias Chapita of M.H. Photography)