MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Mzuzu City Hammers on Wednesday became the first team to hand Mighty Wanderers a defeat in the 2025 TNM Super League season, coming from behind to secure a historic 2-1 victory at the lively Mzuzu Stadium.
The match, played under bright Wednesday afternoon skies, carried huge stakes for both sides.
Hammers, sitting deep in the relegation zone, stepped onto the field desperate for maximum points while Wanderers were chasing a win or draw that would have taken them to the top of the league table.
The first half ended goalless with both teams showing caution and trying to settle into the rhythm of the game.
Despite several half chances, neither side found the back of the net as referee Newton Nyirenda blew for halftime with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
Wanderers drew first blood in the 55th minute when Promise Kamwendo rose high to head home a well delivered cross from Timothy Silwimba, beating goalkeeper Oblak Mwakisambe.The goal put Noma 1-0 up and increased pressure on the home side.
Hammers, however, refused to crumble. They made tactical substitutions in the 66th minute, bringing in Isaac Msiska and Chimwemwe Chunga as they pushed for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Samson Olatubosun connected beautifully with a freekick from Safuli, leveling the match at 1-1 and sending the home crowd into wild celebration.
The match intensity grew with each passing minute. Hammers suffered a setback when goalkeeper Mwakisambe was forced out through injury in the 77th minute, making way for Innocent Kamwambi.
Wanderers continued to press, with Mwalilino and Zulu missing golden chances in the dying minutes of regulation time.
With seven minutes added, the game looked destined for a draw until the 90+4th minute. Isiah Nyirenda pounced inside the box, firing home a dramatic late winner that sealed one of the most memorable victories in Hammers’ recent history.
When the final whistle sounded at 90+7 minutes, Mzuzu Stadium erupted as Hammers celebrated their hard-fought 2-1 triumph, ending Wanderers’ unbeaten 2025 run.
Hammers’ forward Samson Olatubosun was voted Player of the Match for his outstanding performance including the crucial equalizing goal.
Speaking after the match, Mighty Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira praised his players’ efforts but admitted they failed to convert their many chances.
He said the title race remains open and encouraged his players to stay focused in the remaining fixtures.
Mzuzu City Hammers coach Elias Chirambo hailed his players’ fighting spirit, saying hard work and determination secured the much needed victory.
He emphasized that with only three games left, the team must continue winning to survive relegation.
Hammers remain in position 14 with 27 points from 27 games while Wanderers stay second with 56 points from 25 matches.