Nomads through

Nigerian striker Amos Bello Wednesday authored probably the worst miss of 2016 Presidential Cup, but what matters is that Be Forward Wanderers defeated MTV Max Bullets 2-1 to sail through to the semifinals.

In front of a few fans on a cold afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium, winger Isaac Kaliyati and striker Peter Wadabwa scored in the 18th and 76th minutes, respectively, to ensure that Wanderers date Moyale Barracks in the semifinals.

The rookies had earlier cancelled out the Nomads’ lead through Mayeso Mphanje’s wonder 32nd minute thunderous direct free-kick that nestled at the top corner of goalkeeper Peter Munthali’s net.

But the result could have easily been 3-1 had substitute Bello not kicked the air and his own left leg instead of simply softly sliding Wadabwa’s square ball across the goal-mouth.

By the time the towering Bello fluffed his scoring chance, he had, nonetheless, done enough to justify his introduction in place of Luka Milanzi.

Minutes after stepping onto the pitch, Bello’s flick earned the Nomads a penalty after a handball by Max Bullets’ player.

From the spot, Wadabwa coolly dispatched the ball past goalkeeper Alex Makina to bring relief to Wanderers coach Eddingtone Ng’onamo.

Overall, the game was a big yawn without neither rhythm nor class as both teams failed to string passes. It was difficult imagining that the pitch was graced by national team players.

It took 12 minutes before Max Bullets’ winger Frank Kadam’manja, who gave Stanley Sanudi tough time on the right side of the defence, registered a first shot on target.

Then on the other end, what looked like a routine cut-back from the left, found Kaliyati free to squeeze in the opener at the near post.

Some 14 minutes later, the hard-running Max Bullets earned themselves a life-line when captain Foster Namwela fouled advancing Wongani Zulu.

From the spot, former Nomads striker Mphanje stepped forward to leave keeper Munthali with no chance.

Ng’onamo sensed trouble in midfield. He pulled out Ernest Tambe for Alfred Manyozo Jnr to tighten the midfield in an otherwise boring opening half.

In the second half, Wanderers searched for an early cushion goal, but there was simply no cohesion, let alone rhythm. The players looked rusty.

Max Bullets’ coach Trevor Kajawa also responded by withdrawing seasoned holding midfielder, Musakayike Mlengo, for Samson Chande with Bello eventually stepping in for Milanzi.

Bello made an instant impact with his aerial presence and an ability to run at defenders, only to spoil his party with that terrible miss.

Ng’onamo was relieved, but for Kajawa, it was back to the drawing board.

“The boys tried so hard but it was not to be. Anyway, we have to accept the result and move on,” Kajawa said.

Wanderers have joined in the semifinals Mafco, who defeated Dwangwa United 1-0. Mafco await the winner of another quarterfinal between Nyasa Big Bullets and Kabwafu in Mzuzu on Saturday.