TNM Super League leaders Mighty Mukuru Wanderers returned to the top of the table when they came from a goal down to beat Blue Eagles 2-1 at Nankhaka Stadium.
Veteran goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa saved penalty in the added minutes to deny Christopher Gototo to pull level.
Chipuwa’s excellent performance started after 12 minutes when he saved Schumacher Kuwali’s close range header stopping a powerful shot from Tonic Viyuyi two minutes later.
The Nomads registered their first shot on target on 15th minute through Misheck Botoman whose header was well saved by Blue Eagles goalie Chakonda Majanga.
The Eagles, broke the deadlock at 42 minutes through Viyuyi who headed home a cross floated in the box by Richard Lapson and they defended their slander lead until halftime.
After the recess, Nomads coach Mark Harrison brought in Vincent Nyangulu and Balikinho Mwakanyongo to improve their attacking and strengthen midfield and it took only five minutes for Wanderers to equalize.
Isaac Kaliati scored a direct freekick near the D-zone which came after Gaddie Chirwa was brought down by Sankhani Mkandawire.
The visitors were two up on 55th minute when Vincent Nyangulu headed home a freekick swung in the box by Stanley Sanudi.
Thereafter, the Eagles woke up from their sloppy start of the second half and they could have levelled the scores on 62nd minute after Viyuyi’s effort deflected off the post.
Chipuwa’s best moment yet came on 92nd minute when he denied Gototo from a penalty and the resulting rebound.
Gototo took the responsibility to equalize after the referee awarded Blue Eagles penalty and his 12 yard shot was saved by Chipuwa and on the rebound he also denied Gototo after parring the ball over the bar and that was the end of the match.
“we defeated the most inform team, they have played five games, won four and drawn one so coming here and claim maximum points is massive for us. I told my boys before the game that it doesn’t matter how you get the points but we just need to win the games” said Mark Harrison in reaction to today’s victory.
His counterpart, Blue Eagles assistant coach Christopher Sibale said: “We had a very good game, the referee awarded us a penalty but Mighty Mukuru Wanderers goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa saved it.
” We are lacking some sort of seriousness, the penalty we got towards the end of the second half should have been taken by a matured person but Alaas, anyway it’s part of the game,”
The Nomads have now opened three-point-gap over second placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. The People’s Team have played three games less and they have accumulated 40 points.
While Blue Eagles remains on eight with 30 points from 24 games.
Elsewhere, at Chitowe Stadium, MAFCO FC have dislodged Moyale Barracks on 12 following their 2-1 win over Mighty Wakawaka Tigers.
Dan Chimbalanga was on target twice within 31st minute but the lead was reduced to 2-1 after 33 minutes through Precious Chiudza.
There were no further goals in the second half until the hosts claimed maximum points.
MAFCO have 28 points now from 23 points while Mighty Tigers are on 11th with 28 points from 25 games.
And at Dedza Stadium, Karonga United came off a 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw against hosts Dedza Dynamos.
Clement Nyondo registered his 13th goal of the season to extend his lead as TNM Super League top scorer after 15th minute of the match.
The lead was extended on 70 minutes through Charles Chipala but Karonga United scored two quick goals from Elie Kayombo and Mwiso Youngson on 85th and 87th minutes.
Karonga United have 33 points from 24 games on sixth position while 9th places Dedza Dynamos have 30 points from 22 games.
