Wanderers Held by Chitipa in a Dramatic 1-1 Draw at Kamuzu Stadium

Mighty Wanderers were held to a 1-1 draw by Chitipa United in an action-packed TNM Super League match played at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors took the lead early in the first half through Andrew Joseph who capitalised on a costly back pass from Peter Cholopi to goalkeeper Chancy Mteteh. Joseph calmly slotted the ball home in the 10th minute to stun the home crowd.

The Nomads struggled to penetrate Chitipa’s defensive line in the opening minutes, with Cholopi visibly under pressure from Joseph who almost intercepted another back pass five minutes later. Despite Wanderers’ dominance in possession, it was the visitors who looked more threatening on the counter.

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However, Wanderers levelled in the 28th minute when Blessings Singini headed in Francisco Madinga’s well-taken corner. The goal gave the hosts momentum, and they began to pile pressure on Chitipa, creating several half chances but failed to convert.

In the second half, Wanderers brought in Emmanuel Nyirenda for Cholopi, and the change brought stability to their defence. Singini tested Kennedy Nankhaima with a low shot just after the restart, but the goalkeeper was alert to clear.

The match became increasingly physical as both teams chased a winner. Asuman Julius and Elias Muywanga were both booked, while Chitipa goalkeeper Kennedy Nankhaima required medical attention twice after collisions.

Wanderers created multiple chances in the closing stages, including a late effort by substitute Chifuniro Kamenya which went off target. Mwalilino also shot wide in the 84th minute, ignoring an unmarked Vitumbiko Kumwenda.

Despite Wanderers winning seven corner kicks in total, they could not break Chitipa’s resistance. Eight minutes were added in stoppage time, during which both teams made substitutions, but neither side could find the winner.

The match ended 1-1, with Andrew Joseph of Chitipa United named Player of the Match following a brilliant individual performance that gave Wanderers’ defence a tough afternoon.

With the draw, Wanderers are still topping the log with 34 points from 14 games. The second-placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have a game in hand to be played today at Champions Stadium against MAFCO FC. Bullets may close the gap just to 1 point if they capitalise on the game in hand.