The Maravi Post

Touchline View w/Joe Chibewa

MZUZU--Had the Nomads made a research they would have known that ‘kuputa bvumbwe n’kulinga uli ndi nkhuku’. They didn’t. Consequently, they paid dearly.

Defending champions Mighty Wanderers were on Saturday stopped in their tracks and bundled out of the Presidential Cup by little-known Super League newcomers Bvumbwe Research in a nerve-wracking and exciting clash at Kamuzu Stadium in Malawi’s commercial city of Blantyre.

They were not the only ones to feel blue on this sunny afternoon. Standard Bank Cup holders Silver Strikers of the capital Lilongwe were also subjected to a shock defeat by unheralded non-leaguers Complex Madrid of Zomba at Zomba Community Centre ground.

It was a sad afternoon for the Nomads who were gunning to lift the Presidential Cup for the third time.

The Bvumbwe were simply out of this world as they subjected the Nomads to an unfamiliar defensive game as the ‘wild cats’ camped in the Nomads half wreaking havoc and drew first blood on the 16th minute through a penalty kick by and Mayeso Mphanje after defender Foster Namwera handled in the 18-yard box.

Wanderers were level on the 38th minute thanks to Diverson Chilemba who coolly converted a fumbled cross from Alfred Manyozo past goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe. 

But with only two minutes to half time, Gift Kwanyasa was on song when he powered home Bvumbwe’s winning goal from 25-metres.

In the second half the Nomads made two changes to the side but that did not help matters as the ‘wild cats’ were not about to give away their most precious prey to which they clang to final whistle.

That was the end of the road for the Nomads in their Presidential Cup campaign.

They're not, however, taking the loss lying down. They want the winners disqualified and have since lodged a complaint to the Presidential Cup organizing committee against Bvumbwe Research for allegedly featuring ineligible players, a claim which Bvumbwe have described as “laughable”.
“
They've no case at. They should just accept the harsh reality that they lost,” Bvumbwe team manager Richard Lister is partly quoted by The Nation as saying.

Wanderers general secretary said they played under protest because Bvumbwe featured Ndaziona Mamu, McLean Salamu and Ibrahim Sadiki who were loaned to them (Bvumbwe). 

Playing earlier on at Kamuzu Stadium, Red Lions survived a big scare from  Bangwe-based Under-20 FMB League side Sporting Leopards whom they beat 6-5 in post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

While the Nomads were licking their wounds after falling prey to Bvumbwe, in Zomba, Complex Madrid were on cloud nine after they displayed a wonderful fighting spirit which was rewarded by a sweet 2-1 victory fancied Super League defending champions Silver.

Aiko Maluwa scored the first goal with his first touch seconds after coming in from the bench with a long drive from 20 metres, but the lead was short-lived as Silver equalised through substitute Green Harawa's header from a corner-kick.

Maluwa rose to the occasion again to complete a brace when he struck Complex's winner with a fine connection following a cross from Stanley Mhango.

In Mzuzu, Big Bullets beat Rumphi-based Ng’onga 3-0 to qualify for the last 16. Dalitso Siliva, Gabadini Mhango and George Nyirenda were on target for the People's Team.
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