Relegation threatened Premier Bet Wizards continued their TNM Super League second round resurgence as they beat Mzuni 2-1.
The Chilomoni based youngsters fought tirelessly to pocket all the maximum three points in a match that took place at the MDC stadium of Chilomoni Township in Blantyre on Sunday.
The result means Wizards are now pocketing 25 points from 24 games and are on position 12 while Mzuni are on position 7 with 38 points from 26 games.
Wizards who began the match with a first eleven of Trevor Kalema, Keston Kasonda, Chembezi Denis, Blessings Joseph, Damiano Kunje, Simeon Singa, Hendrix Misinde, Jide Mbandambanda, Peter Janga Msowoya, Kondwani Majoni and their man in goals Francis Nkanda were strong enough to hold the green intellectuals.
Mzuni FC started with a lineup of Rabson Chiyenda, Lughano Kayira, Victor Gondwe, Brave Phiri, Bob Longwe, Decco Nyemera, Hudson Chiyenda, Stevie Madimba, Lughindiko Mushane, Timothy Silwimba and Henry Misinjo.
The match started at a slow pace as each team strictly lacked composure to break each other’s defensive membrane in the first half to get the maximum three points.
However on a lucky note, a chance that was found by Wizards in the 31st minute earned them a victory before half time as a set pass by Simeon Singa found Kondwani Majoni who placed the ball at the back of the net to make it 1-0.
In the second half, a lucky time reached for Mzuni to equalise before the end of the first half as they were awarded an indirect freekick in the penalty area after an open boot foul but Milanzi failed to translate the opportunity given into a goal.
But a few minutes later, Hudson Milanzi’s 20 metre drive passed Nkanda’s goal line and fell at the back of the net to make it 1-1.
Wizards introduced Patrick Phiri removing Mbandambanda while Mzuni made three changes at once as they brought in Zeliati Nkhoma, Pilirani Dhuli and Kelvin Chisaka for Lughano Kayira, Stevie Madimba and Henry Misinjo respectively.
On the pitch, Mzuni through former Silver Strikers midfielder Nyemera controlled the midfield as he managed to give tough time to Damiano Kunje, Simeon Singa and Blessings Joseph.
But the services of the newly introduced Phiri were worthwhile for the home side as he kept the northern based side under pressure with almost every touch of the ball. Phiri was allowed too much space outside of Mzuni’s area and he punished them in 79th minute when his left footed shot put the game at 2-1 and earned Wizards the three points.
Speaking to Malawi24 after the match, coach for wizards McDonald Yobe thanked his boys for performing according to instructions. He added that the team is now playing with confidence.
“The boys worked hard, things were not as effective and hopeful [in the first round], but now we thank God that things are now working for us,” said Yobe.
While on his side team leader Jomo Ngonga said his men were underrating Wizards but the team had the potential to make it during the day. He said the team will work hard in the remaining games though they are still on the safe side.
