The 2017 Super League champions came into the match sitting just six points behind leaders Nyasa Big Bullets and by the end of 90 minutes on Saturday, the gap was reduced to three points.
MAFCO started brightly, with Joseph Donsa scoring with a brilliant header to beat Nenani Juwaya in goals for the Nomads.
However, the visitors responded in style when MAFCO’s goalkeeper failed to stop Isaac Kaliyati’s diving header which went straight into the net to make it 1-1.
From there, it was Wanderers who were causing havoc and it took Ingolo Chirwa’s brilliance to stop Zicco Nkanda from finding the back of the net with a fantastic save when Kaliyati delivered a masterclass cross into the penalty box.
At the other end, Martin Masoatheka was found in a promising position but his low drive was blocked by Dennis Chembezi who was the last man in defence for the visitors.
Come second half, Wanderers doubled their lead from the spot when Aubrey Chafewa handled the ball inside MAFCO’s penalty box, allowing Nkanda to step up before beating Chirwa, 2-1.
Minutes later, Wanderers’ second penalty appeal was turned down by the referee who waved play to disappoint the visiting fans.
Masoatheka was at it again when he created a space for himself only to be denied by Juwaya for a corner.
Joseph Kamwendo then came on to make his first appearance for Wanderers since his suspension alongside Peter Wadabwa and Misheck Botomani.
The trio replaced Kaliyati, Alfred Manyozo Jnr and Esau Kanyenda while Lawrence Mwehiwa made his way into the pitch for the relegated side.
Wadabwa almost scored Wanderers’ third goal when he was found in a very good position only to be denied by Chirwa.
MAFCO tried their level best to level the scores but Wanderers’ defence stood firm to collect the much needed points as they keep their title hopes alive.
The win takes them to 59 points, three behind Nyasa Big Bullets who have played a game less than their rivals.
At Nankhaka Stadium, Red Lions failed to beat ten-man Blue Eagles to edge closer to the exit door as they are still stuck in the relegation zone.
The Zomba based Soldiers are 14th in the standings with 33 points and they must beat Bullets at all costs if they are to survive the chop.
With Eagles, TN Stars, Dwangwa United and Karonga United sitting on their way, only three points against Bullets is all they need at the same time, hoping for other teams in the relegation battle to drop points.
The action continues on Sunday, with Azam Tigers playing host to Bullets in another exciting fixture while Wanderers will be hoping for all the points when they are hosted by Dwangwa United.
Nomads.
More fire