Ekhaya FC suffered a second consecutive setback in the TNM Super League of Malawi after falling 1–0 to Mighty Wanderers on Sunday afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium.
In a match that ebbed and flowed for long spells, it was a single moment, Promise Kamwendo’s towering header just before the hour mark, that separated the two sides.
Tight, Fast, and Goalless
The game opened brightly, both sides showing attacking intent in the early exchanges.
Each team had already tested the other’s defensive organisation, with half-chances at both ends, but neither could supply the finishing touch. The score remained 0–0 as the tempo rose.
By the 20th minute, the contest had become increasingly end-to-end, and the identity of the would-be opener looked impossible to predict.
However, as the match crossed the half-hour mark, the home side began to impose themselves.
As the tie unfolded, Wanderers established longer spells of possession and pushed Ekhaya deeper into their own half. Muhamed Sulumba came closest to breaking the deadlock, rising to meet a cross with a firm header that flashed narrowly wide.
Ekhaya were then forced into an early setback:
Emmanuel Saviel was withdrawn after an awkward landing resulted in an ankle injury, paving the way for Clever Chikwata to enter the fray.
Despite the mounting pressure and the enforced change, The Cowboys held firm to take the game into halftime on level terms.
One Moment Makes the Difference
The second period resumed with both sides looking for breakthrough moments, and the tactical battle intensified.
Wanderers introduced Wisdom Mpinganjira and Blessings Mwalilino for Sulumba and Isaac Kaliati, signalling their growing urgency to break the deadlock.
Ekhaya responded with their own changes moments later, Wongani Kaponya and Samuel Rukura replacing Levie Mnyenyembe and Hermas Masinja as Coach Enos Chatama sought renewed energy and pace.
Nonetheless the hosts struck almost immediately after.
From a well-delivered corner, Promise Kamwendo rose above the pack and nodded in what proved to be the match-winner, punishing Ekhaya at a moment when the visitors were still reorganising after the double substitution.
Final Push and Late Efforts
The Cowboys pushed to claw their way back into the game with the tie remained finely poised, with Ekhaya chasing a stronger spell of possession to create openings, but the clinical moment continued to elude them.
Lovemore Mbeta replaced Vincent Salawira as Ekhaya made their final attacking adjustment in search of an equaliser late in the tie.
Wanderers managed the closing stages with composure, limiting clear chances and protecting their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
A single set-piece goal decided a fiercely contested Blantyre fixture, handing Ekhaya FC their second straight defeat against the Nomads.
What It Means
The defeat sees Ekhaya FC drop to 6th position on the log, with 39 points from 26 matches. With four matches left to play, The Cowboys remain within range of a strong season finish but will need to rediscover their cutting edge in the final third.
Coach Enos Chatama Reacts
“It was a tough game, we were playing a team chasing the title. We told the boys to contain them, and we broke on the counter a number of times but did not keep the calm to score.
The plan was the same in the second half; the boys gave it all. But let’s accept that we have lost because we made a mistake.”
Next
No time to drop heads, Ekhaya return to action next Wednesday afternoon, hosting third-placed Silver Strikers at Mpira Stadium.
A big response will be required as the race for a top-four finish tightens.
