Wanderers eye top spot as they face Dedza in crucial league clash

Mighty Wanderers FC have a golden opportunity to seize the top spot in the Super League this afternoon when they face Dedza Dynamos. Fresh off their victory over Kamuzu Barracks, the Nomads are looking to capitalize on league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets being engrossed in celebrations after reaching their sixth Airtel Top 8 Cup final.

The match at Kamuzu Stadium marks an emotional return for Dedza coach Alex Ngwira, who managed the Nomads in 2022. He’ll be pitting his tactical wits against Wanderers’ in-form coach, Bob Mpinganjira.

Wanderers are enjoying a stellar start to the season, boasting six wins from their first seven games and remaining undefeated. Dedza, after a sluggish start, have found their footing under Ngwira’s guidance and are now back on track.

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“We know it’s going to be a difficult game. Dedza are a good side; they’ll come hard on us, but we are ready for them. Hopefully, we will get a positive result,” Mpinganjira commented ahead of the clash.

The Nomads are aggressively pursuing their first league title since 2017. Their current form, winning six of their first seven matches, mirrors their championship-winning start that year, suggesting consistency could be key to their title aspirations. They currently sit second in the standings with 19 points, two behind Bullets. A win today would propel them to 22 points, giving them a one-point lead over their rivals.

Dedza Dynamos, meanwhile, head into this encounter on the back of two wins from their last three games, currently holding seventh place. A victory could lift them to sixth, but history isn’t on their side. In eight previous meetings across all competitions, Wanderers have won five, with three draws, scoring 15 goals to Dedza’s five. Their last encounter ended in a goalless draw.

“I know Wanderers and how they play, the levels they are right now,” said Alex Ngwira. “They are also chasing the first position, so that poses a very big challenge on us. However, we are very much prepared to face them.”

Ngwira added, “Training was good, and the players are determined to show what they can do; they’re in fine form. Yes, little by little we are improving since I took over, and I’m happy with the progress of the team, but we still have room to improve.”