Mighty were just mighty! One goal in the first half and 3 goals in the second half against Kamuzu Barracks FC were enough for Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC to book a semifinal crash with their arch rivals Nyasa Big Bullets FC in the prestigious FDH Bank Cup!

Referee Newton Nyirenda called both teams to order at exactly 14:30hrs. The visitors Kamuzu Barracks FC looked perilous in the first quarter of the game before the sizeable crowd at Kamuzu Stadium but were kept in check by the able hands of Richard Chipuwa.

Thereafter, the Nomads looked settled and longing for the first goal of the match. The Nomads had their first shot on target through Misheck Botomani but Kamuzu Barracks’ goalie Lemani Miguel Nthala was very alert to stop the effort.

The home side’s realistic chance came in 35th minute when the Lali Lubani outfit was awarded a penalty after Misheck Botomani was brought down in the danger zone. However, skipper Stanley Sanudi’s was unpropitious as his spot kick did hit the post.

The Mukuru Boys registered the first goal of the game just before the dot of 45 when Misheck Botomani beat KBs’ offside trap and he crossed the ball into the 6-yard box to find Vincent Nyangulu who headed in to give Nomads a lead at 44th minute.

Come second half, Francis Mkonda doubled the lead in the 51st minute when Vitumbiko Kumwenda’s corner kick found Adeleke Kolawole who headed the ball and it was blocked before Mkonda unleashed the damage!

Match maker Vitumbiko Kumwenda silenced KB fans in the 56th minute with a third goal from a Misheck Botomani assist.

In the 75th minute, the unfortunate happened as goalie Richard Chipuwa fouled his opponent in the danger zone. KB made no mistake but to pull one back from the spot through Zeliet Nkhoma.

Gaffer Alex Ngwira made several changes after KB seemed to have started launching malicious attacks. He pulled out the trio of Misheck Botomani, Vincent Nyangulu and Stanley Sanudi for Chiukepo Msowoya, Isaac Kaliati and Wisdom Mpinganjira. Later, he also substituted Vitumbiko Kumwenda for Aubrey Maloya.

The substitutions paid dividends as in the 85th minute, Chester exchanged passes with Mpinganjira in the penalty box for substitute Isaac Kaliati to find the net for the fourth time on a sublime sunday afternoon.

Despite four goals of added time, there was nothing tangible to put on record. Coach Alex Ngwira expressed exhilaration and elation at the result and only hoped for such glory to continue in the next assignments until “it comes home”.

STARTING XI:
1 Richard Chipuwa

30 Adeleke Kolawole
27 Miracle Gabeya
26 Josephy Balakasi
12 Stanley Sanudi c
14 Francis Mkonda
25 Felix Zulu
10 Yamikani Chester
8 Vitumbiko Kumwenda
9 Vincent Nyangulu
20 Misheck Botoman

SUBS:
16 Pilirani Mapira

2 Bongani Kaipa
5 Peter Cholopi
7 Francis Mlimbika
11 Alfred Manyozo
17 Isaac Kaliati
6 Wisdom Mpinganjira
22 Aubrey Maloya
24 Chiukepo Msowoya

OFFICIATION:
Referee: Newton Nyirenda
1st Assistant: Clemence Kanduku
2nd Assistant: Moses Manda
Fourth official: Kasten Mnenula
Match Commissioner: Patrick Mbalati
Delegate: Gommy Mkandawire
Referee Assessor: Maxwell Mtonga

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