By McLloyd Kudzingo
Blessings Malilino scored against his former club as Mighty Wanderers beat Karonga United 1-0 in an Airtel Top 8 match played at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Malilino put the Nomads in front in the 51st minute with a cool finish raising protests from Karonga United players who claimed that their former teammate scored from an offside position.
The Nomads were the first to knock on the visitors door just five minutes from kick-off through Wisdom Mpinganjira who received a pass from Mwalilino but his shot was beautifully saved by Karonga United goalkeeper MacLean Mwale.
Three minutes later the visitors had a similar opportunity through Patrick Phiri but his shot was brilliantly saved by Nomads goalkeeper Chancy Mtete.
Karonga looked a better side than the Nomads in the first half as they created a number of scoring opportunities but were not clinical in front of goal with Alfred Chizinga among the culprits.
The second half saw the Nomads being a changed side as they tried so hard to get the much needed goal and when they got the lead, they managed to defend it until the last whistle.
After the match Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira described the game as a very tough one but thanked his boys for the victory.
On the other hand, Karonga United Team Manager, Benard Mwahimba accepted defeat but was quick to say that his side will do everything possible to turn the tables in the second leg.
The two sides will meet again for the second leg of the competition at Karonga Stadium in Karonga.
