Wanderers Hammers KB to Stage a replay of Blantyre Derby in Semifinals of FDH

By Antony Isiah jr

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers displayed a spirited-performance at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon to smack Kamuzu Barracks and stage the recurrence of the Blantyre Derby in the semifinals of the FDH Bank Cup.

Like last season, Mighty Wanderers beat Bullets in the second round of the tnm Super League before Bullets staged a painful defeat on to their neighbours in the Semifinals of the Airtel Top 8 after punching them by four goals to one.

In their voyage to book the place in the semifinals of the FDH Bank, Mighty Wanderers had an afternoon to remember when they produced a classic performance as they hammered KB by four goals to one.

Vincent Nyangulu, Vitumbiko Kumwenda, Francis Mkonda and Wisdom Mpinganjira were on target for the Nomads while Zeliati Nkhoma had a consolation goal for the Chioko Boys.

In the post match interviews, Coach for the Nomads, Alex Ngwira who is dubbed “Moses” by the Nomads was very happy with the performance of his charges.

“We always tell our boys to play the football they know. We tell them to put their eyes on the goals. It was a very good game and KB are a good side. They started very well but they slowed their tempo in the second half because we pushed them up,” said Kamanga.

His counterpart, Charles Kamanga Coach for KB accepted the defeat saying the Nomads had a good day.

“Wanderers are playing well and they have played very well. We were not our best and we wish them all the best. We accept the defeat,” said Kamanga.

Coach for Mighty Wanderers Alex Ngwira maintaned the team that displayed spirited-performance against Nyasa Big Bullets in the second half as Francis Nkonda, Misheck Botomani, Vitumbiko Kumwenda were named in the starting Xi for Alfred Manyozo Jr, Chiukepo Msowoya, Isaac Kaliati who were in the starting Xi against their rivals.

Misfortune fell on the Captain, Stanley Sanudi who saw his effort from the spot hitting the right post for deny him from registering his name on the scoresheet.

Kamuzu Barracks had to approach the game using the same tactics that they used when playing Bullets in a game that ended in stalemate. Their target was to close the gaps so that Wanderers should not penetrate into their half.

The approach seemed to have struggled as the Nomads were playing high balls that KB’S defence were failing to defend and make goal safes.

Misheck Botomani came nearly to find the back of the net in the 8th minute when he was found on the edge of the box from Stanley Sanudi but he brushed his shot into the palms of goalkeeper, Leman Nthala.

Kamuzu Barracks temporarily, energised themselves and upped their play as Patrick Banda, the defensive midfielder started to block Wanderers’ counter-attacks.

Former Tigers striker, Matias Nyirenda had two glorious scoring opportunities in the first quarter but he failed to utilise them to the frustration of his teammates.

Kamuzu Barracks’ dominance lasted not longer as Wanderers re-took the proceedings with Mkonda who was holding the midfield dictating the game.

Wanderers launched an attack and Kumwenda was spotted on the far side but KB defender planted his foot on to him to deny him from having options.

Yamikani Chester unleashed a thunderous shot from the outside of the box but his effort hit the upright.

Misheck Seleman’s pace nd tricky play earned Nomads a penalty in the 33rd minute but Stanley’s effort hit the right post.

Vincent Nyangulu gave the Nomads’ the lead just before half-time as he received a cross from Misheck Botomani.

The number 20 breaks on the side before floating a cross that found Nyangulu unmarked in the box who comfortably rifled home his header.

In the second half, Francis Mkonda doubled the scores in the 51st minute when he connected Nyangulu’s goal-bound ball to put the Soldiers at bay.

Vitumbiko Kumwenda had his name on the scoresheet when he nailed the scores after a beautiful counter-attacking football. He was released by Yamikani Chester.

Horace Mchoma and Matias Nyirenda paved way for Kelvin Hanganda and Gilbert Nkhokwe.

With the game already down, Mighty Wanderers couldn’t relax as they continued to attack in numbers, attacking with purpose. Pressing Kamuzu Barracks and without giving them a chance to have a time to rest.

Patrick Banda was replaced by Hastings Banda in the 65th minute.

Misheck Botoman, Felix Zulu and Yamikani Chester combined on the left flank and Yamikani Chester tried to curl the ball to the far post but it went wide in the 67th minute.

Kamuzu Barracks reduced the arrears with 15 minutes to go through Zeliati Nkhoma from the spot. Nkhoma unleashed a shot the Chipuea fumbled and on rebound Gabeya pulled a player down in the Penalty area.

Chiukepo Msowoya, Isaac Kaliati and Wisdom Mpinganjira were thrown in for Misheck Botomani, Vincent and Stanley Sanudi with 10 minutes left on the ticking clock.

Isaac Kaliati sealed the victory in fashion when he netted the fourth goal in the 85th minute. Yamikani Chester, Isaac Kaliati combined very well before releasing the latter who rifled home to make it 4.

Vitumbiko Kumwenda unleashed a heavy shot after receiving a pass from Yamikani Chester but his shot climbed the cross bar in the 90th minute.

Aubrey Maloya was sent in for Vitumbiko Kumwenda.

Elsewhere, goals from Babatunde Adepoju and Anthony Mfune from each half respectively were enough for the people’s team to boot out Chitipa United from the FDH Bank Cup.