Brave battling Wanderers reach Carlsberg Cup quarter  after showing character in 1-0 Balaka win

Despite finishing 10 men after Joseph Kamwendo was shown marching orders, Be Forward Wanderers showed character as they progresses through into the quarter finals of the Carlsberg Cup after beating Mafco FC 1-0 on Wednesday at Balaka Stadium.

10 minutes of football couldn’t separate the pair of  Malawi  League heavyweights desperate to book a place into the quarter finals,  so it fell to Wongani Kaipa  to net the winner in the 16^th  minute after heading in a Joseph Kamwendo’s well curved corner kick.

The Nomads rolled up their sleeves and gave a tough, committed performance after Kamwendo was shown a red card.

This was the Nomads performance full of character and determination that showed the nation  the Lali-Lubani  do possess heart and a fierce appetite for battle.

Yes, Wanderers also  rode their luck as Mafco  hit the woodwork  once . But their appetite for the battle on an uncompromising afternoon was as heartening as it was unexpected.

There were more warnings from the Nomads, especially from Peter Wadabwa, whose shot  flew past Jailosi Kapalamula.

This was a clear warming that  whatever your formation and tactics you still can’t afford to give good players time and space on the edge of your area because Wadabwa was at it again as his powerful header went wide to a yawning goal.

It was also  instructive to see  Precious Msosa  power forward in the opening stages. With his power  and energy, as well as attacking instincts he is certainly suited to the role.

Linje, who was introduced from the bench also  wasted no time in making his mark on the game by firing narrowly wide moments

Lucky Malata  then showed defensive discipline by tracking the dangerous  Dosa for road by cutting his cross off right on the byline when well placed.

After the last whistle, what followed was an explosion of joy from the player and fans.

In post-match interview, Wanderers team manager Steven Madeira described their victory as a stepping stone to defend the cup.

“Let me salute our players for showing character after we were trimmed to 10 men. This is a journey to defend our title as l told you already that our mission is to defend this cup,” said Madeira.