The so-called “game in hand” turned into a handful for Mighty Wanderers as they fluffed their golden opportunity to leapfrog rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, settling for a frustrating 1-1 draw against Karonga United at Karonga Stadium in the TNM Super League on Sunday.
Despite leading 1-0 and dominating large parts of the game—even with ten men—the Nomads will rue what might have been, as they failed to convert their match advantage into table supremacy.
Going into the tie, Wanderers sat just two points behind Bullets, with hopes high that victory would not only close the gap but also take them top with level games played. However, those ambitions were unceremoniously dashed in the north.
Gaddie Chirwa had given Wanderers a deserved lead in the 28th minute, finishing off a Wisdom Mpinganjira corner.
But the match turned on its head just ten minutes later when defender Peter Cholopi saw red for a reckless challenge on Zikani Mponda inside the box. Alfred Chizinga converted the resulting penalty in the 41st minute to restore parity.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Wanderers looked the more threatening side for most of the second half.
Blessings Mwalilino and Chirwa both came close, but the finishing touch eluded them, much to the delight of a resilient Karonga side that seemed content to share the spoils.
In the end, the much-hyped “game in hand” became a game of missed chances, missed opportunities, and missed leadership at the top of the table. The draw lifts Wanderers to 23 points—one behind Bullets.
Elsewhere, there was a goalless draw at Rumphi Stadium where Mzuzu City Hammers hosted Chitipa United.
