After going four games without a win in the 2015 TNM Super League second round, Mighty Be Forward Wanderers on Saturday came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over 10-man Mafco in a temperamental encounter at Kamuzu Stadium.
For the Nomads, the victory, at an atmospheric Kamuzu Stadium, restored their belief which coach Elia Kananji admitted was massively battered after losing to Civo in a Standard Bank Knockout Cup final last Sunday.
The opening minutes were a clear statement that Wanderers, who have struggled in the league this season,
were still nursing cup loss blues.
They gave Mafco too much room to spread the ball around, launch attacks and defend with ease.
But somehow, Mafco became masters of their own fate when forward Richard Mbulu, already on yellow card, handled the ball deliberately just over 12 minutes into the game and referee Warneck Mlenga did not hesitate to issue marching orders.
Though a man short, the soldiers continued to dominate with Saidi Mtekama and Callisto Kalinda threatening but Wanderers goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa was handy to keep his side into the game with brilliant saves.
After the half time break, striker Mapopa Kaunda, who sustained a deep cut after colliding with an opponent, was replaced by Muhammad Sulumba while Luka Milanzi went in for Kondwani Kumwenda.
Despite the changes, the visitors continued to dominate and deservedly led barely 10 minutes into the second half.
Vitumbiko Phiri curled in a dangerous free-kick into the Nomads box, a flying Chipuwa knocked the ball into the path of Emmanuel Chipeta who headed towards striker Kalinda to score with a bicycle-kick.
After conceding, Wanderers took control of the match as they attacked with energy, skill and steel.
They equalised with a sleek move that saw a flurry of beautiful passes involving substitute Isaac Kaliati, Sulumba and Kondwani Lufeyo before Sparrow Msowoya’s half volley just outside the box, beat Mafco goalkeeper Frank Kasiyano.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw during the long injury time, left winger Ibrahim Sadik rescued the three points after his solo run ended with an amazing shot into the low corner.
Second placed Mafco are now stuck on 37 points from 22 matches.
