Wanderers sweep Mafco away to book slot in FDH Bank Cup R16

Mighty Wanderers marched into the FDH Bank Cup round of 16 with a commanding 3-1 victory over MAFCO FC at Kamuzu Stadium, in a match that had everything from near-misses to late drama.

The opening half saw both sides testing the waters cautiously. MAFCO’s Awalu Alli received the first booking of the game in the fourth minute for a deliberate handball, before almost turning hero seven minutes later when his powerful shot rattled the crossbar.

Wanderers, urged on by their faithful supporters, responded with Isaac Kaliati trying his luck from set-pieces, but his accuracy deserted him.

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Blessings Singini wasted a glorious chance in the 35th minute, heading straight into the gloves of goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa. The visitors also suffered an early blow when Aubrey Chafewa was stretchered off after a collision. Despite late pressure, the first half ended goalless.

The second half brought the fire that had been missing. Wanderers made a change at the break, with Daniel Kudonto replacing Promise Kamwendo, and the tempo shifted. In the 62nd minute, the deadlock was finally broken when Isaac Kaliati struck with precision to give Wanderers the lead.

The goal awakened the giants of Lali Lubani, who quickly took control of the game. Eight minutes later, Singini doubled the advantage with a calm finish from a delightful Wisdom Mpinganjira assist, sending the blue side of Blantyre into raptures.

MAFCO tried to regroup and introduced Kingsley Nkhonjera for Prince Kachere, but the momentum remained with Wanderers.

The Nomads pushed forward with confidence, and their scintillating winger Mpinganjira continued to torment the visitors with his creativity.

However, the soldiers of MAFCO were not ready to surrender without a fight. In the 87th minute, China Chirwa unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box that flew past goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa into the bottom corner, pulling one back for the visitors from an Auspicious Kadzongola assist and sparking brief hope of a comeback.

That hope lasted barely a minute. Straight from the restart, Wanderers replied in devastating fashion. Felix Zulu let fly from range with a screamer that Mikuwa could do nothing about. Once again, Mpinganjira was the provider, registering his second assist of the day.

The strike restored Wanderers’ two-goal cushion and effectively sealed the contest.

In the final moments, both sides made multiple substitutions. Wanderers brought on Vitumbiko Kumwenda, Nanison Mbewe, and Masiya Manda for Blessings Singini, Isaac Kaliati, and Wallace Adam. MAFCO responded with Noel Sibale and Daudi Zaiti replacing Auspicious Kadzongola and Vitumbiko Phiri.

The clock ticked down through seven minutes of added time, but the Nomads never looked troubled again.

At the final whistle, there was jubilation for Mighty Wanderers who now book their place in the FDH Bank Cup round of 16. With goals from Kaliati, Singini, and Zulu, and with Mpinganjira pulling strings from the flanks, the Lali Lubani boys once again underlined their pedigree as genuine contenders for silverware this season.