TNM Super League: Wanderers not under pressure – Mpinganjira

Mighty Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira says his side is not under pressure despite dropping points again in a two-all draw with Silver Strikers in Lilongwe on Saturday.

The TNM Super League game at Bingu National Stadium presented the Nomads, the leaders, a chance to widen the gap from second-placed FCB Big Bullets who have played a game more.

However, Mpinganjira’s side gave away the lead twice in the four-goal thriller to remain two points clear of Bullets who can go top if they beat Civil Service United on Sunday.

In a post-match interview, the coach said his focus is on the remaining eight games in the 16-member league.

“I don’t think we have any pressure following the draw. It’s something I have been working on with my players since the start of this season. We are still on top of the table and we just have to work on how we will manage the remaining games,” Mpinganjira said.

What next now for Wanderers?

The Nomads mentor insisted that getting a point on the road against the league’s defending champions Strikers was not easy.

“Yes, we have drawn against them, but we were playing away with equally a big and a good side. They gave us a good game and I give it to the boys for their fighting spirit and for salvaging a point,” the coach added.

On Saturday, all seemed well for Wanderers when defender Peter Cholopi put them ahead in the 14th minute. However, 20 minutes later, striker Binwell Katinji fired Peter Mgangira’s lads back with an equaliser.

The seasoned forward controlled the ball with his left in between two blue defenders them fired hard and low past Wanderers keeper Dalitso Khungwa with his right. Both teams retreated to the dressing room at one-all.

Come the second half, striker Muhammad Sulumba headed Wanderers back in the lead in the 53rd minute only for Katinji to level matters from the penalty spot late in the game.

Wanderers have now drawn seven games despite not tasting defeat this campaign. The Nomads’ next league game is at home against relegation-threatened Tigers FC on Wednesday at Kamuzu Stadium.