Coach Bob Mpinganjira after the 2-0 first leg triumph
* It gives a good picture that the boys have a never-say-die attitude when they go behind but we need to change the mindset and start games on the front foot especially when we are playing away
By Duncan Mlanjira
Mighty Wanderers have secured the Airtel Top 8 2025 semifinal place winning 3-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals against Creck Sporting FC — having triumphed 2-0 in the first leg at home Mpira Stadium last month and coming from behind to draw 1-1 on Sunday away at Owen Malijani Stadium in Mchinji.
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However, while satisfied that they have secured their semifinal place, head coach Bob Mpinganjira has urged his charges to learn to start games on the front foot instead of being reactive.
In a post-match interview, Mpinganjira observed that this is becoming a recurring pattern for his side, who seem to wake up once they concede.
In the tournament’s 2026 edition, Wanderers won the quarterfinal first leg 1-0 against Karonga United at home, Kamuzu Stadium, bit the Nomads were stunned 2-0 away in Karonga to bow out on 1-2 aggregate score.
Bob applauded his charges for showing up in the face of adversity but felt they could have started the away quarterfinal second leg assignment much better.
“It gives a good picture that the boys have a never-say-die attitude when they go behind but we need to change the mindset and start games on the front foot especially when we are playing away,” he said.
“Nonetheless, I am happy that we managed to force a draw which was enough to secure us a 3-1 aggregate score and take us to the next stage. We will play the next game away, so we need to improve our game management.”
Wanderers kept their dream for their second-Airtel-Top-8-title on track after sharing the spoils with Creck Sporting Club when striker Ramadhan Ntafu stunned them as early as the 14th minute.
It took up to the 55th minute for Wanderers equalise through their Cameoonian striker Sama Thierry Tanjong.
Cameoonian striker Sama Thierry Tanjong
On Saturday, Blue-Eagles-and-Ekhaya-FC-qualified-for-the-semifinals after overcoming Civil Service United and defending Nyasa Big Bullets respectively.
Meanwhile, highlights of the matches broadcast on TV can be accessed through the link; https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/competition/Competition:h4mwrqwtze55164sy5cqv4ux8
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