A score to settle
In 90 minutes that had initially promised heaven and earth, Be Forward Wanderers’ Fisd Challenge Cup title defence campaign was blown away by Moyale Barracks’ forward Timothy Nyirenda’s brace, and like a candle in the wind, their light was blown away to live a mist of darkness that enveloped the Lali Lubani Road outfit’s camp last year.
This afternoon, the inaugural Fisd Challenge Cup winners have a chance to settle the scores against the Lions of Kaning’ina when they clash in the semi-finals of the showpiece at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The tournament attracts the highest winner’s purse on the land—a cool K16 million.
While anticipating a tight-throat affair, Wanderers ever upbeat team manager Stevie Madeira on Thursday declared that it will be payback time for the Mzuzu-based soldiers.
“It’s a big game, looking at the way the season has progressed for us so far, this is a must-win game because if we lose then we will finish the season empty-handed and that does not auger well for a big team like Wanderers.
“So, we are looking beyond this match. Our target is to win the cup so that we could offer the Nomads family something to cheer their spirits during the festive season, otherwise it will be a disaster,” he said.
The Nomads, who thumped second-tier league side Airborne Rangers 6-0 to qualify for the semis, will be without their midfield workhorse and captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr who is serving a two yellow cards’ suspension.
Also out are their defence pillar Lucky Malata and Rafique Namwera who are nursing injuries. But Madeira played down the absence of the trio insisting that the Nomads have depth in their squad.
“These are key players, yes, but we aren’t losing sleep. We are ready, very ready.”
On the other hand, Moyale coach Charles Kamanga says they also expect a tough encounter.
“We have nothing to show for this season which is unlike Moyale because we are used to winning something and the Fisd Cup gives us a chance to salvage something from this season.
“But we are quite aware that Wanderers too are banking their hopes on the same cup and they will also come flat out to avenge last year’s defeat, but we are prepared for them” he said.
“For us this will be like a cup final because if we win then the cup is ours.”
Moyale will miss the services of midfielder Clifford Fukizi who is also out with two yellow cards.
But that shouldn’t mater much for an army side that has enough armoury in the likes of their hitman Gastin Simkonda and Deus Nkutu.
To wing into the last four, The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side beat Blue Eagles 3-2.
On the other hand, free-scoring forward Zicco Mkanda carries the Nomads’ hopes that have been thrust on his shoulders.
Mkanda has been at the hub of Wanderers’ late resurgence aided by Yamikani Chester who has been the conductor of the Nomads’ orchestra this season.
Veterans—Joseph Kamwendo and Esau Kanyenda—are the other potential match winners for the Nomads.
The two teams have only met once this season in the first round of the TNM Super League in which the Nomads emerged triumphant 1-0 courtesy of right back Stanley ‘Nyima’ Sanudi’s strike.
The victor in today’sencounter will face winners between Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers whoclash in the other semi-final showdown tomorrow at the same venue.
