Mighty Mukuru Wanderers finally ended their Kamuzu Barracks (KB)’s jinx with a spirited performance to win 1-0 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe Thursday.
The result means Wanderers have reduced the gap with leaders Silver Strikers to six points after the Central Bankers were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Chitipa United at Karonga Ground.
This is the Nomads’ first away victory over KB in five years as they had last beaten them by a similar margin in 2019.
Silver lead the 16-team log table with 44 points from 18 matches whereas Wanderers have 38 points.
However, Silver have a game in hand.
Defender Lawrence Chaziya was the hero of the day for the visitors as he scored the lone goal in the 29th minute, rising high to head home Stanley Sanudi’s corner kick after KB goalkeeper Hastings Banda had saved Sama Tanjong’s effort.
Wanderers continued to knock at the soldiers’ door but Banda was on top of his game.
Man of the moment Isaac Kaliati nearly doubled Wanderers’ lead but his header went straight into Banda’s palms.
Sensing danger, KB made a double substitution, bringing in Hope Namadzunda and Gerald Chirwa for Christopher Mtambo and Matias Nyirenda.
In the second half, Sam Gunda forced Wanderers goalkeeper William Thole to make a desperate save from a freekick.
However, it was a dull second half with so many stoppages, coupled with aerial balls.
Chaziya thought he had bagged a brace but his tap-in was ruled out for offside in the 66th minute.
As the match wore on, KB introduced Redson Nkhoma for Sammy Chiponda while the Nomads brought in Balikinyo Mwakanyongo for Felix Zulu.
Namadzunda had a rare chance to grab the equaliser but Thole easily gathered his weak shot with six minutes to go.
The Nomads held on for a vital win to keep their title hopes alive.
Wanderers Coach Meke Mwase praised his players for showing great character.
“This is an important win for us. Congratulations to the boys. It was not an easy match. The race is still on and anything can happen,” Mwase said.
KB Coach Charles Kamanga accepted defeat.
“It was not our day and Wanderers deserved to win. They played with a purpose and created a lot of chances,” he said.
At Karonga Ground, Chitipa’s Ramadhan Mtafu opened the scores from the penalty spot in the 26th minute before Charles Chipala rescued a point for Silver seven minutes into the second half.
Silver Coach Peter Mponda said collecting a point was better than none.
“This is a valuable point for us. However, everything was against us,” Mponda said.
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