Nomads cheers, KB in tears
If there were any Thomases doubting that Be Forward Wanderers are masters at winning newly introduced trophies in Malawi, they surely must have disappeared from even the darkest corridors of the Earth.
Their disappearances could be understandable. The Nomads on Saturday became the first team to lift the Fisd Challenge Cup after beating Kamuzu Barracks (KB) at Civo Stadium to cart home K10 million.
After a barren draw in regulation time, Wanderers claimed a 4-3 win through post-match penalties. Not that the manner of the victory mattered. Victory, after all is said and done, is victory.
Before this competition, Wanderers were the first to grab the Carlsberg, FAM and the Presidential cups. However, if Wanderers had it easy during those missions, they met a match in KB.
In the opening half, the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) team forced Wanderers to abandon their usual passing game with steel defending and heavy policing in midfield while creating a few chances which drew brilliant reflexes from Wanderers veteran goalkeeper Vales Kamzere.
And yet, KB accomplished more than that in the opening exchanges. Dave Banda, the defending midfielder with the eagerness to put his body and soul in every duel, was suspended. Nonetheless, his replacement Sam Chivunde was equal to the challenge.
If Nomads’ Joseph Kamwendo—playing on the unusual left wing—and fellow midfielders Mike Kaziputa and Alfred Manyozo Jnr were not finding the much-needed breathing space, it was because of the Chivunde effect.
Therefore, it was not surprising that the Nomads managed just one clear-cut chance in the first half which saw striker Peter Wadabwa’s shot saved by goalkeeper Lemani Nthala.
KB’s game plan, which really worked, was to halt Wanderers wing-backs Bongani Kaipa and Stanley Sanudi from launching attacks. The two found themselves reduced to marking ever present Kelvin Hanganda and Manase Chiyesa.
Wanderers improved in the second half when KB took their policing legs off the pedal and their opponents found room to manoeuvre. However, Their passing in the final third was disappointing.
In the end, a first half that was dictated by KB ended goalless so did the second half in which Wanderers dominated.
KB introduced Gift Mbwana in the closing stages understandably with eyes cast on the penalties. Sadly, he missed his spot-kick.
The army outfit also wanted to bring in two players possibly potential penalty takers. But then came the final whistle and the players, with frustration written all over their faces, returned to the substitutes’ bench.
Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda says KB lost the penalty plot after delaying to make the two substitutions.
“In the end, players like Nthala were forced to take penalties,” said Nyirenda in reference to KB goalkeeper who saw his penalty saved by Kamzere.
After Alfred Manyozo Junior had stabbed home the decisive penalty, KB players were stunningly shocked; their eyes with heavy traces of self-pity and softened with tears. Although they tried hard to comfort each other the eyes only served to frighten rather than inspire.
It was like a bad dream. A cruel end to a mission that was nearing a fruitful accomplishment.
“The game was tough. We gave everything but luck was not on our side. Penalties are unpredictable. Congratulations to them,” midfielder Harvey Nkacha said afterwards.
On the contrary, smiles were all over Wanderers as they pumped their fists into the air to express their joy having won their second trophy this season after the Carlsberg Cup. Some mobbed Kamzere to appreciate his penalty saving heroics.
“He is the hero because he came from retirement to help us win this trophy. We are proud of him,” midfielder Kamwendo remarked.
On the terraces, a sea of Wanderers supporters exploded into a wild roar which sounded like a devastating earthquake. Long after the trophy presentation ceremony presided over by Vice-President Saulos Chilima was conducted, the fans continued dancing outside the stadium until night fall.
This was Wanderers’ finest hour. Blue, their traditional colour, was painted all over Lilongwe.
