Thole’s heroics send Nomads into Semi-finals
William Thole saves two penalties while scoring his own as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers book their place into the semi finals of the Airtel Top 8 thanks to a 4-2 win over Bangwe All Stars in the penalty shootouts following a 1-1 draw on aggregate.
The Nomads put a poor show in the second half of the game at the Mpira Stadium that saw Temitope Ebenezer scoring for the hosts to force the game into penalty kicks as the Nomads carried with themselves a 1-0 win in the first leg of the match two weeks ago at the Kamuzu Stadium.
In the shootouts, Thole denied Felix Demakude and Temitope Ebenezer to fire the Nomads through into the semi finals as all Nomads netted their spot kicks.
Head coach for the Nomads, Meke Mwase, was happy with the win saying his players gave it all in order to qualify for the semis-finals.
“It was a little bit tough game, we knew it would be a tough match as we were playing away but the boys worked hard in order to secure a win so I must congratulate the boys and I’m happy for reaching the semi finals.” Said Mwase.
Meanwhile, Bangwe All Stars head coach, Trevor Kajawa, was left impressed with the team’s performance in the 90 minutes and said if the boys continue playing like that, they will do more this season.
“It was a good game, I love the way the boys played in the whole 90 minutes, we got a win but penalties are lottery and our friends have got the win but i am happy with my boys performance.” Said Kajawa.
Both teams started on a low note as they tried to unlock each other in the quarter of an hour but the Nomads were the ones keeping the ball much but Bangwe went close through Clever Chikwata when he met a corner kick from Richard Rapson on 9th minute before Wisdom Mpinganjira blasting his shot wide.
Clement Nyondo missed the best chance of the game on 18th minute when he shot wide when the goal was open for him before Bangwe making a force change, James Msowoya being replaced by Shukuran Goba on 23rd minute then Blessings Singini sent his effort wide before Nyondo also missing another great chance on 39th minute as Bangwe stayed most of the first half back to frustrate the Nomads.
Felix Demakude replaced Lytone Chinong’one at half time for Bangwe All Stars as Sama Thierry Tanjong and Adam Wallace replaced Gaddie Chirwa and Wisdom Mpinganjira then it was Bangwe which looked aggressive through their quick attacks but Adam missed the goal with a whisker before Lawrence Chaziya conceding a foul which Richard Rapson set Temitope Ebenezer for an opener on 55th minute.
Bangwe continued tormenting the Nomads through Rapson and Chikwata as Rapson blasted his free kick over the bar on 66th minute before sending another attempt over the bar then James Tambwali replaced Kondwani Chilembwe on 68th minute and Missi denied the Nomads twice on 76th minute as Nyondo and Sama shot on goal.
The Nomads continued hunting for a goal then Francisco Madinga replaced Nyondo on 78th minute before Felix Zulu blasting his attempt in the box over the bar and Missi brilliantly denied Silwimba with a lovely catch in the added time.
On penalties, Isaac Kaliati, Sama Thierry Tanjong, William Thole and Wisdom Mpinganjira scored all their penalties while Thole saved Felix Demakude and Temitope Ebenezer while Innocent Msowoya and Clever Chikwata scored their kicks.
The Nomads will play either Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos or Silver Strikers in the semi finals of the competition as the two teams face each other on Sunday at the Dedza Stadium with the Bankers carrying a 4-1 lead into the second leg.
