In a thrilling encounter at Nankhaka ground in Lilongwe, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers triumphed 2-1 over Blue Eagles, dethroning their long-standing rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets from the summit of the TNM Super League table.
The Nomads showcased their resilience by overturning a one-goal deficit to secure all three points. Tonic Viyuyi put Blue Eagles ahead in the 42nd minute with a header from a Richard Rapson cross. However, Wanderers regrouped at half-time with Coach Mark Harrison making two crucial substitutions, introducing Vincent Nyangulu and Balikinho Mwakanyongo.
The changes paid off immediately, as the Nomads equalized just before half-time when Isaac 'Tcheya' Kaliyati unleashed a powerful free-kick from approximately 35 meters out. Building on their momentum, Wanderers continued to dominate and seized the lead in the 50th minute when Nyangulu connected with a Stanley Sanudi free-kick.
In a dramatic turn of events, Blue Eagles were awarded a penalty deep into added time. Christopher Gototo stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Wanderers' goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa made a splendid save to deny the Eagles the equalizer.
Gaddie Chirwa, a former Blue Eagles player, was named man-of-the-match in recognition of his exceptional performance on the field.
Blue Eagles coach Elia Kananji attributed the defeat to a lapse in concentration, expressing disappointment over easily avoidable goals conceded and the missed penalty opportunity.
Meanwhile, Wanderers' coach, Mark Harrison, acknowledged the challenge posed by Blue Eagles, noting the team's recent success in their previous matches. He commended his players for their exceptional performance and overcoming a formidable opponent.
It is noteworthy that a minute of silence was observed prior to kickoff in honor of John Tembo, the former patron of the Nomads, who sadly passed away earlier in the day.
In other league matches, Mafco FC secured a 2-1 win against Mighty Waka Waka Tigers, while Karonga United fought back from a two-goal deficit to salvage a 2-2 draw against Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar.
The victory propels Mighty Wanderers to the top of the TNM Super League standings, with 43 points from 22 matches, setting up an exhilarating race for the league title against fierce rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets, who have played three fewer games.
