Malawi: Wanderers duo out of Blantyre derby

Malawi’s top-flight league side Mighty Wanderers FC have suffered a setback ahead of Sunday’s duel against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the Blantyre derby’s third instalment.

The Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira has announced that two key players have been ruled out of the match in the commercial capital.

The Blantyre sworn rivals will slug it out in the FDH Cup semi-final at Kamuzu Stadium, barely seven days after their meeting in the TNM Super League. Wanderers beat Bullets 3-0 last Sunday before a further 2-0 victory over Songwe Border United on Wednesday took the Nomads to the league’s summit.

Mpinganjira’s team also overcame Bullets in the league’s first leg contest, leaving Sunday’s fixture as a must-win for Peter Mponda’s outfit.

Who is available for Wanderers ahead of meeting with Bullets?

In a post-match interview, the Nomads gaffer disclosed that wingers Wisdom Mpinganjira, his son, and Gaddie Chirwa have been ruled out of the derby due to injuries while defender Emmanuel Nyirenda is also an injury doubt.

“All the preparations have gone on well. All the players are looking sharp and very ready for the game. However, Chimwemwe Nkhoma is still out. Gaddie will not be available and so is Wisdom Mpinganjira who might only come back next week,” he said.

Wisdom picked up an injury in the first half of last Sunday’s game against Bullets. He was replaced by Adam Wallace who scored with his first touch of the ball before another substitute Blessings Singini’s brace completed the rare rout.

The winner of the Bullets-Wanderers’ semi-final will proceed to date Silver Strikers in the final. The Bankers edged Lilongwe rivals Civil Service United 1-0 on Saturday to proceed to the final.

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