Wanderers Queens end first round without home win with draw against MDF Lioness

Mighty Wanderers Queens squandered a chance to grab their first home win in the National Bank of Malawi National Women’s Premiership after surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against MDF Lioness at Mpira Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Nomads went into the match having failed to earn any points at home in three games, with all their 13 points collected away. They were looking for a positive finish to the first round.

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Meanwhile, it was the soldiers’ first trip to Blantyre this season, and they hoped to bag a win to wrap up the first round in glory.

A strong display from the hosts in the first half saw MDF Lioness fail to record a single shot on target. The Nomads’ dominance was rewarded when Tawina Kawaga finished beautifully after Atuweni Njilima sent in a low ball from the right, giving the home side the lead at halftime.

The Nomads doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half when Funny Moyo pounced after Mwai Kasiya failed to deal with Kawaga’s low ball. However, the Nomads’ fitness levels dropped significantly, allowing the soldiers to recover and apply pressure.

Catherine Kachala sent a good ball through for Sabina Thom to pull one back in the 64th minute. Then, when Chikondi Benjamin failed to defend a ball into the box, Fazila Chiyembekezo slotted home her fourth goal of the season in the 82nd minute to snatch a point for the visitors.

Nomads head coach Thom Kazembe appeared satisfied with the draw despite the late collapse.

“It was a tough game. We played well in the first half, but our opponents used their experience in the second half to snatch a point. It happens in football,” said Kazembe.

He also raised concerns about officiating, saying much needs to be done in the second round as referees appear not to take the women’s tournament seriously enough.

MDF Lioness assistant coach Yohane Fulaye praised his players for their second-half comeback, saying they executed the coaches’ instructions perfectly.

“We have several players who got injured while on national team duty, and the artificial turf contributed to our early struggles. But we talked to the players at halftime, and they gave us what we wanted,” said Fulaye.

He also complained about the officiating, describing the referees as incompetent in what should have been an “easy game to handle,” calling it a serious problem in the league.

The result means Lioness remain third with 15 points from four wins, three draws, and two defeats, while the Nomads sit fourth on the table with 14 points from four wins, two draws, and three losses.