Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC shared spoils with the resilient Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar FC after a 2 all draw at Dedza Stadium in a grudge TNM Super League encounter
The Nomads were fresh from a 2-week break as the Malawi National Football Team had international engagements where 6 of Wanderers FC players got the grade.
The Dedza assignment was a grudge encounter as Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar FC was looking forward to a revenge having suffered a 0-3 defeat at the hands of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC in the FDH Bank Cup right here at the same venue. Dynamos also lost the first round TNM Super League engagement at Kamuzu Stadium and they were looking forward to upset the tables.
Muhammad Sulumba wrecking havoc in Dedza side
The intent by Dynamos to win the game was evident right from the first whistle with a couple of dangerous moves in the first ten minutes of the game. The attacking duo of Promise Kamwendo and Clement Nyondo were a thorn in the Nomads’ defence which was ably marshalled by Malawi’s International Miracle Gabeya with his counterparts; Peter Cholopi and Joseph Balakasi.
In the 35th minute the Nomads launched a dangerous attack and managed to put the ball into the net but the referee ruled it for an offside to the dissatisfaction of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC fans. Two minutes later, Clement Nyondo for Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar FC registered the first goal of the match to the excitement of Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar FC fans who thronged the stadium in their large numbers.
As the Nomads were still reeling from the opening stunner, Edward Dakalira released a 25-meter thunderous shot that left goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa in awe of proceedings. 2-0, Dynamos led at 43rd minute and there was nothing to write about until it was time for recess.
Come second half, the Nomads looked settled to turn the events. Indeed they might have listened to the wise and strategic counsel from gaffer Alex Ngwira during the break as four minutes later, Vitumbiko Kumwenda reduced the deficit with a thunderbolt outside the 18 yard box.
Captain Stanlye Sanudi conferring with Match officials
The Coach for Mukuru Boyz made three tactical changes in the 52nd minutes substituting.
Vitumbiko Kumwenda, Peter Cholopi and Felix Zulu for Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Wisdom Mpinganjira and Muhammad Sulumba. The changes started yielding dividends as the Lali Lubani Boys looked settled and determined to turn the tables. Muhammad Sulumba nearly levelled the scores in the 73rd minute when he single-handedly rounded three defenders only to be brought down at the edge of 18 yard box before releasing a shot against seemingly already beaten goal keeper for Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar FC, Andrew Mtinkhulu.
The miracle moment came in the 88th minute when Miracle Gabeya tapped the ball into the net after Misheck Botomani’s effort was fumbled by Dynamos’ goalie. 2-2 it ended at the final whistle with both sides sharing the spoils.
Speaking to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC after the game, Coach Alex Ngwira had no kind words for the officiating panel. “We have accepted the result but we are concerned with the quality of officiation. We have been denied numerous scoring opportunities in the name of offsides. Our opponents were very rough on our players but they were being left scot-free unlike our charges that have been booked in numbers. All the same, we look forward to our next assignment” lamented Ngwira.
For the Love of the Brand – Mukuru
The Nomads missed the services of Yamikani Chester who was serving yellow cards, Chiukepo Msowoya and Adeleke Kolawole who are nursing injuries.
The draw have left the Nomads staggering on position 6 with 34 points from 19 games and 18 points adrift of league leaders Nyasa Big Bullets FC who have played 20 games. The Mukuru Boys face Silver Strikers in their next TNM Super League assignment on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium.
LINE UP AGAINST DEDZA DYNAMOS SALIMA SUGAR FC:
Our First Eleven
1Richard Chipuwa
27 Miracle Gabeya
5 Peter Cholopi
26 Joseph Balakasi
12 Stanley Sanudi (C)
25 Felix Zulu
14 Francis Mkonda
17 Isaac Kaliati
8 Vitumbiko Kumwenda
9 Vincent Nyangulu
20 Misheck Bottoman
SUBS:
16 Pilirani Mapira
2 Bongani Kaipa
4 Ted Sumani
15 Lloyd Mugara
11 Alfred Manyozo Jnr
6 wisdom mpinganjira
22 Aubrey Maloya
28 Ephraim Kondowe
29 Muhammad Sulumba
BOOKED:
Miracle Gabeya
Alfred Manyozo Jnr
Francis Mkonda
Vincent Nyangulu
Vitumbiko Kumwenda
