A single moment of brilliance from Gaddie Chirwa proved to be the difference as Mighty Wanderers secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ekhaya FC in a tightly contested TNM Super League encounter at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon, July 13.
The match lived up to expectations with both sides showing attacking intent, though it was Wanderers who ultimately capitalized on their chances.
From the first whistle, the visitors stamped their authority in the opening minutes, camping in Ekhaya’s half and registering the first shot on target through Blessings Singini in the third minute. Ekhaya responded with a brief spell of momentum around the seventh minute but failed to convert their set-piece opportunities.
The first half was characterized by balanced possession and cautious build-ups. Ekhaya’s Christopher Gototo forced a corner in the 15th minute, which led to a quick counter by Wanderers. Moments later, Promise Kamwendo and Francisco Madinga both took long-range efforts, neither troubling goalkeeper Elias Missi. There was controversy in the 25th minute when Hermas Masinja appeared to be brought down in the box by Timothy Silwimba, prompting strong penalty appeals from the Ekhaya bench—appeals that were waved away by the referee.
The goalless stalemate persisted into halftime, despite flurries of action on both ends, including a near-miss free-kick from Stanley Billiat and acommanding save from Missi just before the break.
The second half resumed with a substitution from Ekhaya as James Lumbe replaced Chimwemwe Yasin. However, it was Wanderers who picked up where they left off. Just nine minutes into the restart, the deadlock was broken. Singini, instrumental throughout the match, spotted Chirwa in space and delivered a perfect assist. Chirwa struck from distance, beating Missi to put Wanderers 1-0 ahead in the 54th minute.
The goal injected urgency into Ekhaya’s play, prompting a double substitution in the 61st minute, as they brought on Vincent Salawira and Clever Chikwata. Wanderers also made a key change, introducing Blessings Mwalilino for Madinga, who had been a persistent threat on the wing.
Despite Ekhaya’s attacking efforts, including a powerful but off-target shot from Billiat in stoppage time, they struggled to find the breakthrough. Wanderers, on the other hand, maintained control and could have doubled their lead had it not been for a spectacular save by Missi to deny Isaac Kaliati in the 83rd minute.
In the final minutes, the Nomads opted for a defensive strategy, substituting goal-scorer Chirwa for Masiya Manda. Ekhaya had a golden opportunity in the 88th minute, but Dalitso Khungwa intervened to keep Wanderers in front.
Three minutes of added time couldn’t change the result. Emmanuel Nyirenda was booked for time-wasting, and Billiat’s late shot drifted agonizingly wide.
At full-time, it was Wanderers who walked away with all three points. The match’s standout performer, Blessings Singini, was deservedly named Player of the Match for his dominant midfield display and decisive assist.
