Isaac Kaliati’s first-half goal moved Mighty Mukuru Wanderers five points behind TNM Super League leaders Silver Strikers as they beat Civil Sporting Club 1-0.
The Nomads endured a tense afternoon but Kaliati’s winner after 33 minutes gave them a sign of relief as it revived their title hopes.
Kaliati has now scored eight goals against six Super League teams that he has faced in Wanderers’ last 10 League matches.
Wisdom Mpinganjira 23rd minute miss from the edge of the box and Isaac Kaliati effort from rebound on 27th minute had only added to the anxiety at the Civo Stadium, but Kaliati’s 9th league goal saw Wanderers returning back into winning ways after last weekend’s goalless draw at Dedza Dynamos.
The Blues are now five points off the top having taken advantage of their two games in hand, while also keeping the pressure on Silver Strikers who host Mighty Wakawaka Tigers on Saturday afternoon in the league.
Meke Mwase admitted after the game that it wasn’t an easy match “A hard fought victory, but Iam happy to collect the much important three points” he said.
Civil Sporting Club had their chances but were wasteful as Blessings Malinda twice failed to capitalize when through earlier in the first half.
The visitors took over the control of the match midway in the first half. They bossed possession and created three good chances that were squandered by Thierry Sama Tajong, Isaac Kaliati and Wisdom Mpinganjira.
Civil Sporting Club resistance was broken after a mix up in their box, allowing Kaliati to pounce on a bouncing ball past goalkeeper Rahaman John.
Abbas Makawa boys thought they had pulled level on 43rd minute, but Festus Duwe’s finish inside the box was rulled out for offside by the referee. That was the last chance in the first half.
The home side showed some signs of finding a breakthrough early in the second half. They looked more promising going forward and Muhammad Biason had the first attempt on 62nd minute when his bicycle kick inside the box went straight into the palms of goalkeeper William Thole.
Chances became scarce in a sloppy final 20 minutes as both sides opted for aerial balls. The Nomads clung to the slender 1-0 lead until the final whistle.
“The performance today compared to our last game against Dedza Dynamos has been the same only that today we have managed to score and importantly get the three points” said Mwase
On lacking consistency he said “yes it’s one of the things we’ve been asking our players to improve especially on scoring and now the confidence is back we will continue to encourage them to maintain winning spirit”.
Abbas Makawa’s side have collected 24 points in 17 matches and they sit seventh, 16 points adrift of leaders Silver Strikers.
Abbas Makawa was disappointed with the result which he thinks it was influenced by the poor officiation.
“It was a tough match for both sides, we tried our best to win the match but it happens in the game of football”
“You have seen what the referee has done today, we chose to be quiet and accepting the result” said Makawa.
