Unlucky Wanderers Miss Top Spot, Championship Charge Delayed

Mighty Wanderers missed a golden opportunity to reclaim a two-point lead at the top of the TNM Super League after being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Chitipa United at Chitipa Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Nomads travelled north knowing they could ease the pressure in the title race following FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ shock 2–0 defeat to Creck Sporting Club, but they failed to capitalise on the lifeline — producing a largely toothless performance in front of goal.

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Having been forced to a painful 1–1 draw by Chitipa in the first round, the Lali Lubani Road giants had hoped to complete the revenge mission. Instead, they remain winless against the Basongos this season. Still, a clean sheet and the continuation of their unbeaten run provided faint silver linings on an otherwise disappointing afternoon.

The hosts began brightly, threatening to grab an early opener, but it was Wanderers who first carved out a real chance when Blessings Mwalilino guided his shot narrowly wide in the 9th minute. Chitipa soon settled, while Wanderers’ midfield trio of Felix Zulu, Dan Kudonto and Blessings Singini continued to struggle for cohesion — a recurring issue in recent matches.

Trouble Kajani fired wide just after the half-hour mark, before Joseph Mbaga missed a promising free kick on the edge of the box. At the other end, Muhammad Sulumba squandered a clear Nomads opportunity, leaving the match scoreless at the break.

Chitipa made the first move at halftime, introducing Godfrey Kwiyokwa for Daniel Boston. The game soon levelled out, with both teams cancelling each other out in midfield and lacking the tactical precision to unlock their opponent’s defence.

Wanderers made a triple change, bringing in Clement Nyondo, Rajab Nyirenda and Gaddie Chirwa for Adam Wallace, Sulumba and Singini. For Chitipa, Kajani made way for Zenga Manda at the hour mark. Nyondo’s involvement lasted only 15 minutes due to injury, and he was replaced by Sama Thierry Tanjong.

Chitipa should have snatched the lead when Mbaga broke free one-on-one with goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa, but he dragged his effort wide. Mbaga was later replaced by Mally Kasongo. Wanderers introduced Promise Kamwendo for Mwalilino in the closing stages, but neither side found the decisive touch as the match ended in a stalemate.

Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted the result was painful but insisted the team would keep their focus on their own campaign. “We planned to win this game, but getting one point is not that bad. It’s painful, yes, but a point has still put us somewhere we were not,” he said.

Chitipa United coach Kondwa Ikwanga praised his players for their discipline and execution. “I am happy with the performance because the boys did exactly what we have been working on. We wanted a win and we could have killed the game in the first half, but we missed our better chances,” he said.

The Nomads remain second on 56 points — tied with Big Bullets but trailing on goal difference. They have recorded 16 wins, eight draws, and remain the only unbeaten side this season. Chitipa United move to 33 points, sitting 10th with four matches left in their campaign after collecting eight wins, nine draws and nine defeats.