…..Eagles 1-2 Wanderers
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC have claimed their first win at Nankhaka Stadium in the capital Lilongwe after over three seasons, as the team defeated Blue Eagles FC by 2-1 with the second half two goals by Isaac Kaliati and Vincent Nyangulu.
The home team Blue Eagles FC who controlled the proceedings of the whole first stanza drew the first blood through Tonic Viyuyi who headed in a beautiful ball from Richard Rapson originating from the left flank in the 42 minutes of the half.
The goal came in after the Policemen missed several chances through Schumacher Kuwali. Tonic Viyuyi scored in the 22 minutes but the goal was ruled out for an infringement on goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC were forced to make a change in 26 minutes following an injury of former Blue Eagles FC midfielder Vitumbiko Kumwenda who was replaced by Felix Zulu.
Stanley Sanudi nearly scored for the Wanderers from a well-taken free kick but Tonic Viyuyi headed it away for safety before the end of the first half.
In the second half, Wanderers through their head coach Mark Harrison made two changes as Vincent Nyangulu and Balikinho Mwakanyongo replaced Christopher Kumwembe and Ahamadu Kung’unde.
The changes to the visitors brought a change as now they started pressing hard to find an equalizing goal.
In the 51 minute, Blue Eagles conceded a free kick after fouling Gaddie Chirwa almost 34 meters away from the goal area.
Isaac Kaliati struck a powerful stunning free kick that beat Chakonda Majanga on goals to put matters at level, after three minutes Blue Eagles FC defender Maxwell Gustavo received a yellow card for fouling Gaddie Chirwa again.
Substitute Vincent Nyangulu for Wanderers extended his team’s lead after connecting in a well-taken free kick by Stanley Sanudi.
Blue Eagles had a penalty appeal in the 59th minute after Wanderers cleared the ball from the line Eagles thought one player for Wanderers had handled the ball but the referee waved for a play-on.
Eagles’ Tonic Viyuyi had a chance to level the score line but his effort hit the post after a well-delivered ball from Richard Rapson.
In the last 20 minutes of the game, Wanderers dominated the play though Blue Eagles FC created chances.
Richard Rapson sent a long ball into the box but Richard Chipuwa who was a candidate for man of the match made a good save.
Blue Eagles FC coach Eliah Kananji made two changes at 77th taking out Richard Rapson who did not come for the penalty on the day and Laurent Banda, Christopher Gototo and Blessings Malemia replaced them.
Wanderers’ Harrison replied by introducing Francis Mkonda for Misheck Botoman.
In the 81 minute, Sankhani Mkandawire for Eagles was booked for resisting the laws of the game while Misheck Botoman was booked for playing delaying tactics as it took time for the player to come off the pitch.
As the game approached to end, the home team made the last change as Chikondi Mvula replaced Schumacher Kuwali.
In the 87 minute Trouble Banda nearly scored after a good delivery from Christopher Gototo.
In the dying minutes of the game, as the Nomads were slowly escaping the lawful custody, Blue Eagles were awarded a penalty after a referee spotted a handball in the box.
Christopher Gototo however got his kick saved by veteran goaltender Richard Chipuwa and soon the match ended.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ Gaddie Chirwa was later voted Man of the match.
After the match, the Wanderers’ gaffer said they knew it wouldn’t be an easy game against Blue Eagles FC who have gone 5 games undefeated.
“Getting maximum points is a massive win for us, look we have to be collecting points now even without a good performance as the league is now hot. We struggled in the first half but those changes paid us dividends”, Said Harrison.
Blue Eagles FC assistant coach Christopher Sibale described the result as painful after creating lots of chances.
“If you misuse chances you get punished, it’s part of the game but a painful defeat at home. It wasn’t complacency but maybe it wasn’t our day as we created a lot of chances but converted one hence we have to polish up our upfront because if we were good enough we could have won the game by more goals”, Sibale said.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC are now leading the table with 43 points following today’s win and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC who are the defending champions are second with 40 points from 19 games but they are exempted this week as they are preparing for a CAF Champions League match away in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the loss today Blue Eagles FC are still sitting on position 8 with 30 points from 24 games.
Blue Eagles FC’s next assignment is an away fixture in the Airtel Top 8 against Moyale Barracks FC on Saturday in Rumphi.
