Nomads stun KB
Mighty Wanderers moved to the finals of the Standard Bank Knockout Trophy in spectacular fashion yesterday when they beat Kamuzu Barracks 2-0.
There were scenes so lovely at Silver Stadium in the capital as the Nomads faithful danced jigs of celebration.
The Nomads will face winners in the semi-final between capital city rivals Silver Strikers and Civo United slated for the same venue this afternoon.
The jubilant manner in which ‘Nyerere’ greeted the final whistle emphasised the significance of the victory.
It was a game that was well handled by Fifa referee Dennis Nguluwe.
Wanderers were simply in the mood on this bright summer afternoon. They started passing the ball gently at first, as if to get the feel of the action and it came as no surprise when they drew first blood five minutes into the game through a beautifully crafted goal which had all the hallmarks of theatre and art.
Abraham Kamwendo’s well-curled corner kick was complemented with a double kick by Mike ‘Malouda’ Kaziputa which gave KB goalkeeper Sekani Mhango no chance.
Eight minutes later, burly forward Innocent Dzimbiri gulled past two defenders on the left with remarkable ease and then fed the ball invitingly into the path of Alfred Manyozo Jnr who unbelievably shot over the bar from close range.
KB had their moments too, but were blunt in front of goal.
At the start of the second-half, Precious Kalumo’s brilliant free-kick was kept out by Nomads goaltender Richard Chipuwa, who was in fluent form.
The fatal thrust of the blade came from Kaziputa in the 75th minute when his well-taken corner-kick was connected into the net by Vincent Mphepo for an own goal. It was game over for KB.
The Nomads then switched to ‘dancing time’ as they passed the ball around gently to the delight of their fans clad in their traditional blue and white colours.
KB trooped out of the pitch with their heads dropped in dissapointment.
Their coach Billy Phambala refused to grant the media a post-match interview while his Wanderers counterpart Stuart Mbolembole said his side deserved to win.
“We were a better side, the boys played according to plan, but we now have to switch focus to the final match,” said Mbolembole.
