Madeira Says Wanderers’ Win Over Mafco a Step to Defend the Calsberg Cup
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 16th minute after heading in a Joseph Kamwendo’s well curved corner kick.
Kaipa: Scored the winning goal.
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.
