Half way through

The TNM Super League first round concluded yesterday with champions Be Forward Wanderers edging Mafco 1-0 at Balaka Stadium to finish on third place.

The Nomads have wound up the first round on third position with 28 points from 15 games, seven points short of leaders Nyasa Big Bullets.

Defender Stanley Sanudi scored the lone goal in the 80th minute through a penalty awarded after a Mafco defender had handled in the box.

With the third position open, Sanudi made the time to stand still, as the Nomads fans held their breath and when the Mafco goalminder dived the right way, the stadium oozed anxiety.

But it hit the post before sailing into the net and relief was the prevalent emotion among the Wanderers faithful.

Both teams created a plethora of chances but failed to make them count.

A relieved Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira said they were happy to finish third.

“It gives us confidence that we can defend the league. But it was a tough game and we had to sweat for a win,” he said.

On his part, Mafco coach Tione Mhone blamed the loss on poor officiation.

“The penalty which the referee awarded to Wanderers was dubious.

“But we will not be discouraged. We will fight and get out of the relegation zone in the second round. We will finish in the top five,” he said.

Mafco are still second from the bottom with 11 points.

In other matches, Civil Sporting Club and Mzuzu University (Mzuni) FC played out a one-all draw at Mzuzu Stadium. Raphael Phiri was on target for the Civil Servants while Henry Misinjo scored for Mzuni..

Civil Sporting have finished fourth with 25 points while Mzuni are 14th with 14 points.

Blue Eagles recovered from their 1-0 loss to Nyasa Big Bullets to edge table anchors Nchalo United 2-1 at Kalulu Stadium in Nchalo, Chikwawa.

Micium Mhone and Maxwell Salambula scored for the Lilongwe-based Malawi Police Service side while Masautso Gemu scored for the hosts.