Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC had to wait until 74th minute to break the stalemate through substitute Vincent Nyangulu in a highly contested FDB Bank Cup round of 32 fixture against Mpondas FC at Balaka Stadium. Veteran Chiukepo Msowoya doubled the lead in the 92nd minute to seal the victory for the Lali Lubani outfit.

Head Coach Mark Harrison and his charges travelled to Balaka Stadium coming from a 0-1 shock defeat to rookies, Extreme FC in the top flight TNM Super League. The assignment against Mpondas FC was therefore a must win for the Englishman and his troops at all cost.

The Nomads were a much changed side in terms of the starting eleven as compared to the first eleven that featured against Extreme FC. William Thole returned in goals and Francis Mkonda was in the starting eleven since featuring against Moyale Barracks in Mzuzu four weeks ago.

With Miracle Gabeya serving his red card, Lawrence Chaziya marshalled the defence alongside Peter Cholopi, Stanley Sanudi and Isaac Kaliati.

The midfield was packed with Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Felix Zulu, Francis Mkonda, Wisdom Mpinganjira and Gaddie Chirwa. Talisman Christopher Kumwembe led the onslaught upfront.

Mpondas FC of Mangochi made sure the Mukuru Boys were frustrated at all cost by not allowing the visitors register any score for the whole of first half.

Christopher Kumwembe squandered most of the chances as he came close to scoring in the 2nd, 4th, 7th, and 12th minutes. Wisdom Mpinganjira, Gaddie Chirwa, Isaac Kaliati and Felix Zulu also had their own share of frustration as their efforts didn’t yield dividends. Truth be told, the Thom Mpinganjira Boys could have been seven goals up by the stroke of half time had it been that the scoring opportunities were effectively utilized.

Come second half, the Nomads looked geared to break the jinx but the misfiring woes took center stage in the last half as well. In the 60th minute, Francis Mkonda paved way for Misheck Botoman. Botoman was quick to establish himself and managed to put the ball at the back of the net only to be ruled offside. Scintillating football was at display with Malawi’s internationals Gaddie Chirwa and Stanley Sanudi as masterminds.

Coach Mark Harrison pulled out Christopher Kumwembe for Vincent Nyangulu. Nyangulu didn’t take time to prove he was a super substitute by lofting into the net a beauty that sent Nomads fans into an uncontrollable ecstasy. Eighteen minutes later in the 92nd minute, Chiukepo Msowoya added to the tally by heading home a Stanley Sanudi corner kick. 0-2 it ended in favor of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC.

Coach’s Reaction
Mark Harrison was not amused with the performance of his boys. Said Harrison, “We have created fifteen to twenty scoring chances but we couldn’t capitalize on them. This has been our story and it’s really ridiculous. I can’t go in there to kick the ball into the net for them, we have to work on finishing”

Next assignment
The Nomads will be hosting Dedza Dynamos in the TNM Super League tie on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium
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