Wizards boost survival hopes with win

Premier Bet Wizards boosted their chances of survival in the league after they collected three points when they beat Kamuzu Barracks on Saturday.

The hosts were strong enough to make the soldiers go back empty handed on this day after they won 1-0 in the TNM Super League encounter.

Wizards started with a starting eleven of Francis Nkanda, Trevor Kalema, Keston Kasonda, Blessings Joseph, Chembezi Dennis, Damiano Kunje, Semion Singa, Blessings Phiri, William Salama, Jide Mbandambanda and Kondwani Majoni.

While the soldiers relied on the services of Manasse Chiyesa, Komani Msiska, Zinjani Yona, Ben Hojani, Wonderful Timeyo, the former Flames midfielder Davie Banda, Pempho Kamsichili, Vincent Mphepo, Salim Mustafa, Pilirani Makupe and their man in goals Lemani Nthala.

Wizards’ hardworking spirit and tireless runs kept the visitors under pressure as the hosts frequently maneuvered through the centre line to their opponent’s half. KB through their forward man Manasse Chiyesa tried to penetrate the defensive membrane of Wizards but the hosts’ Kalema, Kasonda, and Joseph kept them at bay.

The first half ended with both teams going out without goals as Leman Nthala, and Francis Nkanda were strong enough to stop the shots. In the early part of the second half both teams struggled to find chances and it looked like the game will end goalless.

But in the 75th Simeon Singa’s 13 metre drive landed at the back of the net after Kamuzu goalkeeper Nthala failed to stop it. Five minutes after the goal heavy rains started pouring down but the visitors failed to take advantage of the weather and the game ended 1-0.

The result means Premier Bet Wizards are on position 12 with 22 points while the soldiers have 40 points and are placed on number five.

The result is a boost to Wizards for they will just be looking to collect at least eight points to ensure their survival in the TNM Super League.