Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have been crowned champions of the 2024 Castel Challenge Cup after beating Mzuzu City Hammers 1-0 at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.
Cameroonian striker Thierry Sama Tanjong was the hero of the day when he scored the only goal of the match two minutes after recess.
The final lived up to its expectations as Wanderers dominated the first half while Hammers had a good second half.
Wanderers were all over Hammers in the opening half and created alot of scoring opportunities but lacked composure upfront.
The Nomads could have opened the scoring inside three minutes but Blessings Singini shot went over the bar on the edge of the 18-yard box.
But Hammers nearly caught Wanderers off guard but Isiah Nyirenda’s attempt went off target in the 13th minute of the match.
On the other end , Singini also came close to scoring but his attempt went straight into the palms of goalkeeper Chancy Mtete.
Clement Nyondo danced his way past three Hammers defenders before unleashing a powerful shot which struck the frame of the goal post in the 35th minute.
But Chimwemwe Chunga had a chance in the towards the end of the first but his effort went over the bar. Hammers made the first change of the match when Eric Kaonga came on for Yasin Rashid.
Wanderers also had another chance before the break as Gaddie Chirwa raced on the left flank before laying a pass into the box but Misheck Botoman was too hesitant to react.
After the break, Wanderers made a double substitution when Tanjong and Wisdom Mpinganjira came on for Botoman and Fransisco Madinga.
Tanjong bundled the ball into the net after a good pass from Isaac Kaliati. For the first time in this year’s Castel Challenge Cup, Hammers conceded a goal in open play.
After the goal, Hammers introduced Chinonso Promise for Bayo Fatayo. The move changed the complexion of the game as Hammers pressed hard looking for the equaliser.
Substitute Samuel Adebiyi Adeyemi had a chance to level the scores but his weaker shot went straight into the palms of goalkeeper William Thole at the dot of full time.
Hammers finished the match the better side but failed to find the back of the net as Wanderers clinched the Castel Challenge Cup.
Wanderers interim coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted that Hammers gave them good run for their money.
“It was very difficult match but the boys played well. I am very happy with their performance,” said Mpinganjira.
This is an early Christmas gift for the Wanderers family.
On his part, Hammers coach Kondwani Ikwanga said the early goal in the second disturbed their game plan.
” We started the match slowly but we picked up. We also had chances and we could have buried the game but unfortunately we lost,” said Ikwanga.
For winning the Castel Challenge Cup, Wanderers will pocket K55 million while Hammers will pocket K25 million as runners-up.
