Be Forward Wanderers continued their fine form at home with a convincing 2-0 victory over Mlatho Mponela to move up to second on the standings with 16 points.
It took a typical unstoppable header from Babatunde Adepoje just after the half hour mark to open the scoring before the striker completed his brace in the second half with another powerful header.
The visitors displayed brilliant football but lacked firepower as Frazer Menyani and Precious Chipungu were completely outnumbered by Peter Cholopi’s led defense.
Spectators were left amused by Mlatho’s brilliant football from their defender Eric Kaonga, midfielder Innocent Makalani and Kelvin Malikebu who dominated the midfield at the expense Alfred Manyozo Jnr and Francisco Mkonda.
At the other end, Babatunde wasted Wanderers’ glorious opportunity when his baby shot was easily saved by Dailes Yasin in goals for the rookies.
Moments later, defender Harry Nyirenda missed a seater when he was found unmarked in the box by Francis Mulimbika.
However, despite Mlatho’s resilience, the hosts were able to find the opener in the 34th minute through Babatunde who capitalized on Yasin’s mistake to head home from Isaac Kaliyati’s cross, 1-0.
Come second half, the visitors continued to display good football but were no closer to scoring as Cholopi, Stainly Sanudi, Mulimbika and Nyirenda were too solid at the back for the Nomads.
Mlatho Mponela should have equalized when Mkonda gave away possession to Chipungu, who had three options to pass the ball to before wasting it to the far side of the field.
Manyozo Jnr and Francisco Madinga paved the way for Felix Zulu and Mike Kaziputa while Chipungu and Malikebu were replaced by Fabio Kapinde and Andrew Biyo.
Mlatho were awarded a free kick which was saved by Nenani Juwaya, who was at ease as his defense covered him well.
The Nomads doubled their lead in a dramatic fashion when Yasin failed to stop Babatunde’s header into the net.
Both teams made their final substitutions, with Wanderers bringing on board Zicco Mkanda for Kaliyati while Anderson Kumpolota came in for Menyani.
Soon after coming in, Mkanda missed a clear cut chance when he was found through by Vincent Nyangulu, only to blast his effort away from Yasin’s goal posts.
As the visitors pushed harder in search for a consolation goal, Wanderers stood firm to register their fifth win of the season from seven games and move second on the log table with 16 points, just a point behind league leaders Kamuzu Barracks.
The defeat for the rookies see them occupying 12th position with eight points from nine games.
At Chitowe Stadium, a strike each from Manase Chiyesa and Marshal Maluwa inspired Kamuzu Barracks to a hard fought 2-1 victory over struggling Dwangwa United to maintain their top position in standings.
It was an entertaining match from both teams but in the end, the 2016 league winners collected all the points to continue their fine form which has seen them losing only once to Wanderers in eight games played so far.
The league action continues on Sunday with some exciting fixtures.
At Mzuzu Stadium, Nyasa Big Bullets will be visitors to Mzuni FC while Masters Security will welcome Mighty Tigers at Dedza Stadium.
At Kamuzu Stadium, it will be a battle of rookies as Ntopwa FC will welcome Mlatho Mponela, with Savenda Chitipa United playing host to Blue Eagles at Karonga Stadium.
