Nomads start on high note
Be Forward Wanderers started the new season on high note as they beat Silver Strikers 2-1 in a highly competitive and entertaining TNM Super League encounter at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
The Bankers led through Duncan Nyoni while the Nomads levelled through Francis Mlimbika.
Former Silver forward Peter Wadabwa scored the winner for the Nomads.
Silver were on top of the game in the opening minutes as they took the lead in the18th minute through Nyoni who headed in from a Lucky Malata free kick.
However, the visitors showed character by going full throttle despite being a goal down.
Striker Luka Milanzi, Mike Kaziputa and Nigerian Bello Amos had moments to level the scores but were denied by great goal keeping from Blessings Kameza.
A mix of hard work and good fortune was all that Wanderers needed to level the scores seven minutes from recess.
Mlimbika was well positioned to capitalise on a bad clearance from Silver’s Wonderful German.
The defender’s clearance fell on Mlimbika’s feet and he unleashed a grounder that went past a stranded Kameza.
On the other hand, Wanderers defender Foster Namwela nearly scored an own-goal after his clearance missed the upright by an inch.
In the second half, Wanderers came a more rejuvenated side.
Coach Jack Chamangwana maintained the attacking mentality. He replaced Jabulani Linje with Wadabwa who partnered Milanzi.
Milanzi could have put his side ahead in the sixth minute after he was put through by Amos and dribbled past Mike Roberts in defence for Silver.
But he was seconds late to shoot and Lucky Malata cleared the danger.
The visitors continued to pile pressure and Silver defence finally succumbed after Amos crossed the ball to Wadabwa who chested the ball before shooting past Kameza.
Chamangwana thanked his players for what he described as a hard-working spirit.
“Credit should go to the players. They never gave up and came from behind. It’s an achievement. We need such mentality if we are to win the league,” he said.
A disappointed Silver assistant coach Lovemore Fazili blamed it all on lapse in concentration.
“We were unfortunate to concede that late goal. We lost focus and they took the game to us,” said Fazili.
