Mighty Mukuru Wanderers claimed a spirit inducing 3 nil win over Bangwe All Stars, a result that sets an open title ending for the TNM Super League this year as they level on points against foes FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Goals from Peter Cholopi, Christopher Kumwembe, and Wisdom Mpinganjira were enough to warrant a lifeline for the honors for the dominant Nomads sides in a match played at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The statement was clear and the Nomads appeared to forget they had claimed a 2 nil win over the rookies in the first round.
The hosts had so many early chances but Kumwembe had not just been clinical enough in the opening minutes.
He twice shot over the bar, giving no troubles to Bangwe keeper Elias Missi.
In the 17-minute, Nomads defender became one of the unlikely scorers. Peter Cholopi rose the highest from a Stanley Sanudi corner with Missi blocked by his defender Fanizo Mwansambo.
Shouting at his charges from the dugout, Bangwe coach Abel Mkandawire could not believe when a sprinting Emmanuel Lino had his shot saved by William Thole in goals for the Nomads.
The match quickly matched its billing given that the rookies have had sights for a top ten finish all the while.
No goals came either side until recess.
In the second half, the pace was the same with Robert Saizi and Emmanuel Saizi tormenting the Nomads defense but Lawrence Chaziya and Isaac Kaliati manned the spaces diligently.
Mkandawire made his first change at 56 minutes taking off forward Kondwani Chilembwe for Friday Osagie. The Nigerian’s task was immediate and was kept tussling with Chaziya, mostly in the aerial balls.
Ten minutes later, Kumwembe, marking perhaps his last kick of the action scored for the hosts. This time, the former Civil FC striker when he headed in a Kaliati cross.
As the affairs continued, Mark Harrison also altered his troops. He pulled off the immediate scorer Kumwembe, Gaddie Chirwa and Francisco Madinga. The Briton slotted in Chiukepo Msowoya, Vitumbiko Kumwenda and Mphatso Kamanga.
With Bangwe, in chase for a differential goal, Wisdom Mpinganjira sealed the win with an excellent goal inside the additional minutes when he shot at goal, and Missi was not set enough to take the shot.
The triumph sets a different tone on the honors.
The Nomads now second, level with Bullets on 53 points, although the holders have three games in hand.
It comes as a more lifeline as the two town foes face off next week in the Blantyre derby.
On the other hand, Bangwe lie seventh with 35 points.
Mkandawire said his players appeared to be respectful of the Nomads while Harrison said the side had made the appropriate statement towards the tittle.
In another match today, there was no goal to separate Karonga United and Silver Strikers at Karonga Stadium.
This implies therefore that Karonga United remain sixth with 37 points and Silver are third with 47 points.