Nomads survive Lions fightback

May 19, 2016 Sports 170
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Malawi24
Albinos Malawi

Mighty Be forward Wanderers have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Presidential Cup after beating Red Lions 4-3 at Kamuzu stadium on Wednesday  although they had to survive a fightback from the soldiers.

The Nomads raced to a 4-0 lead as Rafiq Mussa headed home from a free-kick while Peter Wadabwa scored a brace before Isaac Kaliati score the fourth through a volley.

Nomads vs Red Lions
Nomads conceded three goals in a space of ten minutes.

The visitors however scored three goals in the final 13 minutes to set up a nervy finish.

Mussa returned from injury for the Nomads to play behind Jabulani Linje and Peter Wadabwa who were playing upfront for the Nomads and it looked as if it was working as they were combining well and attacking the soldiers.

On the other end, Kumbukani Mwambeni, Loti Chawinga and Steve Ziwa went close on several occasions to put the soldiers ahead but the Nomads defence mounted by Boston Kabango, Kondwani Lufeyo, Ted Sumani and Stanley Sanudi defended well.

As the first half was going towards the end, Mussa put the Nomads ahead after he headed home Ibrahim Sadik’s free kick in the last added time of the first half.

The first half ended 1 nil in favour of the Nomads.

After the break it was the Nomads who looked more dangerous on the attack as they were displaying some brilliant passing football.

Before the one hour mark Peter Wadabwa doubled the Nomads’ advantage and then completed his brace when he received a nice through ball from Mussa to make it 3 nil.

On 77 minutes, Isaac Kaliati dampened Red Lions’ hopes of a comeback with a stunning volley into the top corner of the soldiers’ goal and sparked wild celebrations at Kamuzu stadium.

Red Lions coach Pritchard Mwanza responded to the Nomads fourth goal by introducing Peter Makwale on the place of Ndaona Limbani and the substitute quickly brought an impact as he reduced the deficit for the visitors and it was 4-1 in favour of the Nomads.

A minute later Kumbukani Mwambene also scored for Red Lions as the soldiers were displaying excellent football that completely demolished the Nomads’ defence that was lacking the services of the injured Boston Kabango.

Red Lions were not done yet and breathed life back into the tie when substitute Innocent Bokosi fired a thunderous shot for the visitors from the edge of the box to make it 4-3.

Red Lions continued to look more dangerous in the dying minutes of the second half as they were attacking the Nomads goal and made the Nomads dance to their tune with the ‘ganyu’ supporters urging the soldiers to keep on fighting but the Nomads held on to win 4-3.

After the game, the Nomads coach Elia Kananji said he was happy that his team has advanced to the next level of the Presidential Cup whereas Red Lions coach conceded defeat and said they will work hard in other cups and the TNM Super League.