Three and Ize job: Wanderers wallop Tigers to reclaim top spot

Mighty Wanderers put up a blazing second-half performance, scoring three goals that were vital in their 3-0 win over Mighty Tigers to reclaim the top spot in the TNM Super League in a match played at Kamuzu Stadium.

The Nomads made strategic substitutions that enabled Muhammad Sulumba, substitute Blessings Mwalilino, and Isaac Kaliati to score a goal each, sealing a 16th win for the Nomads in the league.

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The 2017 champions looked to be dominating proceedings; however, they lacked cutting edge as Tigers stayed deep, closing all gaps. The Nomads relied on crosses but found no success in the first half.

The hosts lacked fluidity in midfield as Felix Zulu was silent, while Dan Kudonto was alert and made vital blocks. Blessings Singini was found mostly wide on the right wing where Masiya Manda was supposed to operate. Their first chance came in the 26th minute when Muhammad Sulumba headed wide from Manda’s cross.

Meanwhile, Tigers offered nothing on the attack, staying back to defend. Matthews Sibale was replaced by Daniel Shadreck in the 33rd minute. As frustration grew among the toothless Nomads, fans whistled demanding changes. Zulu and Manda were then withdrawn for Rajab Nyirenda and Adam Wallace.

After a goalless first half, Shukuran Affick, who looked to be Tigers’ best midfielder, was taken off for Precious Kwalenga. Nyirenda’s corner kick then found Sulumba’s head to put the Nomads ahead in the 53rd minute.

Sama Thierry Tanjong and Blessings Mwalilino replaced Nyondo and Sulumba in the 63rd minute for the Nomads, while Samuel Kondanani and Mwai Banda came on for Osman Bakali and the injured Kelvin Banda, leaving the visitors vulnerable at the back.

Singini operated more centrally in the second half and led an attack in which he assisted Mwalilino for the team’s second goal in the 75th minute. Five minutes later, Wallace, who had brought fresh energy after coming on, delivered a ball that met Kaliati, who hammered home the third. The match also witnessed the return of Gaddie Chirwa from injury as he replaced Kaliati in the 83rd minute.

Nomads head coach Bob Mpinganjira was happy with the win and said the changes he made brought a positive impact.

“We saw that we were just keeping the ball but failing to penetrate into the gaps as they just sat back and offered nothing in the game. That’s why we introduced Rajab Nyirenda, who has more of an attacking mindset, and it delivered,” said Mpinganjira.

He added that the team will work hard to improve before the end of the season, as there is still much work to do to win the league.

Tigers coach Trevor Kajawa said his team gifted Wanderers the goals and that Kelvin Banda’s injury was a blow. He also noted that Shukuran Affick was fatigued, prompting his substitution.

“The chances [for survival] are still there. I know it is tight now, but we will do everything to stay in the league. It is just a matter of working hard and winning the remaining games,” said Kajawa.

With 16 wins and 7 draws, the Nomads sit two points above FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at the top of the league with 55 points, while Mighty Tigers remain 13th with 26 points from 6 wins, 8 draws, and 12 defeats—just a point above the relegation zone.