Malawi: Wanderers get injury boost ahead of Ekhaya FC clash

Malawi’s elite league giants Mighty Wanderers, unbeaten and leading the standings, have received a defensive boost following the return of Emmanuel Nyirenda from injury.

The Nomads’ defensive pillar, Emmanuel Nyirenda, has received a clean bill of health, just in time for the TNM Super League clash against Ekhaya FC in the commercial capital, Blantyre, on Wednesday.

The two Blantyre-based teams meet at Kamuzu Stadium, where the Nomads stand a chance to extend their TNM Super League leadership, their cause boosted by back-to-back 3-0 and 2-0 victories over sworn rivals FCB Big Bullets and Songwe Border United FC.

Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira confirmed the availability of Nyirenda, who missed last Sunday’s FDH Cup semifinal clash against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at the same Blantyre venue.

“I can confirm that Emmanuel Nyirenda is back and is available for selection. Gaddie [Chirwa] and Wisdom [Mpinganjira] have also returned, but they are doing light training. They will not be available as we face Ekhaya FC,” the coach told the club’s media.

Nyirenda picked a knock the previous Sunday when Wanderers cruised to a 3-0 victory over Bullets in a league match that also saw Wisdom leaving the pitch injured.

Which Other Players Are Available for Wanderers?

Mpinganjira will also welcome back midfielder Rajab Nyirenda after he missed the FDH cup game, as he was cup-tied following his earlier involvement in the same competition while with Chitipa United.

The Nomads coach, whose team exited the CAF Champions League preliminary round, has since cautioned his players to brace for a difficult match from the rookies.

“It will not be easy. Our opponents are coming from a draw, and likely they will come hard on us. We are, however, ready for them, and we are hopeful for a positive outcome,” Mpinganjira added.

The Lali Lubani Boys can go five points clear if they find their past Ekhaya, who lie in sixth place. There are an average of eight games to the finish line of the Super League. Silver Strikers are the defending champions and currently sit in third place, 12 points behind Wanderer,s though with two games in hand.

Midweek Fixtures:

Kick-off: 3pm
Mighty Wanderers v Ekhaya FC
Dedza Dynamos v Silver Strikers
Civil Service United v Chitipa United