Mighty Wanderers lift FISD Cup: Gives KB capital punishment

Malawi Cup specialists Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Saturday, December 10, 2016 preserved their  record of being first winners of a trophy when they edged resilient Kamuzu Barracks 4-3 on post-match penalties during the FISD Challenge Cup final played before a huge crowd at Civo Stadium in the capital Lilongwe.

The Nomads have a rich history of being the first to win national trophies at the inaugural stage, having done during the introduction of Carlsberg Cup, Presidential Cup and the recently defunct Standard Bank Cup.

That was also the scenario this afternoon when they lined up against tough customers KB during the inaugural final of the K45m FISD Challenge Cup.

However, the Blantyre based giants must thank legendary goalkeeper Valence Kamzere, who kept them in the contest with some brilliant saves before saving two penalties during the dreaded shootouts.

The soldiers from army headquarters were in control of the proceedings in the first half and early second half but Kamzere stood equal to the challenge by stopping dangerous shots from Harvey Nkacha, Manase Chiesa and company.

Wanderers had their best chance of the game on the half hour when Peter Wadabwa eluded two KB central defenders only to have his shot blocked by KB stopper Lehman Nthala in a one on one situation.

Having played second fiddle to the soldiers for the better apart of the first half and opening moments of the last half, coach Yasin Osman and his technical staff made a double substitution, bringing in Felix Zulu and Amos Bello for Isaa Kaliayati and Jimmy Zakazaka.

The double substitution had some positive impact for the Nomads, as Bello brought some discomfort in the soldier’s defence.

Both sides had opportunities to win it in regulation time but the full time whistle from Mzuzu based referee Misheck Juba caught the two teams deadlocked at 0-0.

As per the tournament rules, the game went straight into penalty kicks, which saw the hosts converting their first two kicks taken by Mustaph Salim and Pempho Kansichili. Wanderers also converted their first two via captain Joseph Kamwendo and Peter Wadabwa.

KB substitute Gift Mbwana had his kick brilliantly saved by Kamzere before Stanley Sanudi’s effort was also saved by Nthala.

Manase Chiesa and Bello were on target and Nthala took the responsibility of taking KB’s last penalty kick which Kamzere brilliantly saved, leaving Alfred Manyozo with the task of sealing victory for the Lali Lubani Road boys.

Manyozo made no mistake from the spot and the Nomads were on song.

While conceding defeat, KB coach Billy Phambala saluted his charges for a battle well fought.

“We have lost but I’m happy with the performance of my boys. We deserved to win in 90 minutes but penalties are unpredictable.

“We will now focus on the TNM Super League championship,” said Phambala.

His counterpart Yasin Osman described the game as very difficult.

“It was a difficult match involving teams with a completely different style of play. But we knew what KB were up to and tried to play our passing game.

“I’m glad we have won and congratulations to the boys,” said Osman.

For winning the cup Wanderers were presented with the trophy n a K10m cheque while KB got a K4 million cheque.

Presenting the prizes on the sponsors behalf was State Vice President Saulos Chilima, who watched the entire game.

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