The Ants of Lali Lubani, Mighty Wanderers shattered Blue Eagles’ defense and pride in a 3-1 demolition at Nankhaka Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
With every sting, Nyerere (as they are fondly called, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers reminded the league that their title chase is far from over, cutting the gap with log leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to just four points.
The Nomads buzzed into Nankhaka with fire in their wings. From the opening whistle, Bob Mpinganjira’s men pressed high, snapping at every loose ball and forcing the Eagles to retreat into panic mode.
It took only 17 minutes for Blessings Mwalilino, the day’s tormentor-in-chief, to strike gold after reacting quickest to a rebound and silencing the home crowd.
He wasn’t done yet. The forward, who seemed to glide past defenders like a shadow in motion, doubled the lead in the 29th minute, connecting beautifully with a Muhamad Sulumba’s cross that left Blue Eagles’ backline in shambles.
As the Eagles scrambled to reorganize, they were stung again this time from the spot. Isaac Kaliati, with composure and class, converted a 38th-minute penalty after Wallace Adam was brought down in the box, sending goalkeeper Precious Masamba the wrong way.
By halftime, the scoreline read 3-0 and the damage was done.
Blue Eagles’ Coach Deklerk Msakakuona made frantic substitutions to stop the bleeding, but the Nomads’ midfield engine, powered by Dan Kudontho and Sulumba, dictated the rhythm with surgical precision.
Though the hosts managed a consolation through Pius Saka late in the second half capitalizing on a defensive lapse, the goal barely dented Wanderers’ dominance.
The Nomads closed the game with the composure of a team rediscovering its rhythm and purpose, leaving the Police side cuffed, conquered, and completely outplayed.
Meanwhile, Blessings Mwalilino deservedly walked away with the Man of the Match accolade.
In a post match interview Eagles Head coach Declerk Msakakuona conceded defeat with humility.
“They never gave us a chance. Wanderers were the better team today. But we still have nine games to fight for,” he said.
On the other hand, Wanderers head Coach Bob Mpinganjira couldn’t hide his joy.
He said; “We scored three goals away from home that’s massive. The boys played with hunger and discipline. These are the kind of performances that win titles.”
Elsewhere in the League, Ekhaya FC stunned Kamuzu Barracks 3-0, while Civil Service United and Mighty Tigers played to a goalless stalemate in Lilongwe.
