Nyerere marched into the Eagles’ territory to hunt, only to become the hunted and Saturday’s special on the Nankhaka menu.
Blue Eagles finished the first round of the FDH Premiership on top after beating Mighty Wanderers 2-1 at Nankhaka Stadium on Saturday, in a match that saw the hosts withstand a late fightback.
Wanderers started brightly and threatened the Eagles defense in the opening stages, but Blue Eagles gradually settled into the contest.
Micium Mhone became increasingly influential, particularly from set pieces, and his delivery from a corner created the opening goal in the 23rd minute.
Chancy Mtete could only parry Mhone’s corner, and Fahad Mtcheka was quickest to react, pouncing on the loose ball to put Blue Eagles ahead. The goal shifted the momentum towards the hosts, who soon doubled their advantage.
Seven minutes later, Mhone again provided the ammunition, this time delivering a cross that was met by Tonic Viyuyi, whose header found the net to make it 2-0. Within a short spell, Wanderers had gone from trying to control the contest to chasing a two-goal deficit.
The Nomads responded by making three changes before half-time, bringing on Rajab Nyirenda, Emmanuel Nyirenda and Mphatso Kamanga.
Further changes followed after the break as Wanderers attempted to find a way back into the game, but Blue Eagles remained in front.
The turning point came in the 75th minute when Peter Ng’ambi’s long throw caused problems inside the Eagles box.
Goalkeeper Precious Masamba parried the ball, but Sama Tajong was in the right place to turn the rebound into the net and reduce the deficit to 2-1.
That goal transformed the final stages. Wanderers began attacking in waves, while Blue Eagles were forced to defend their narrow advantage.
Gaddie Chirwa delivered dangerous balls into the area, Rajab Nyirenda tested the defence from distance and the Nomads even appealed for a penalty late in the match after claiming a handball.
But, the equalizer never came. Blue Eagles survived the late pressure and held on for a victory that gave them more than three points: it gave them the first-round summit.
The defeat leaves Wanderers third on 29 points, behind leaders Blue Eagles on 31 and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on 30, while Silver Strikers also have 29 points.
