Mighty Wanderers climbed back to the summit of the FDH Bank Premiership on Sunday, but not before Masters FC goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba produced a goalkeeping masterclass to force the title contenders into a 1-1 draw at Mpira Stadium.

The draw leaves Wanderers, Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles level on 22 points. 

Nevertheless, the Nomads remain top of the table courtesy of a superior goal tally, having scored 21 goals compared to Silver's 19 and Blue Eagles' 18.

At Mpira Stadium on Sunday, the ants of Lali Luban found themselves locked in a battle where grit mattered more than glamour. They burst out of the blocks when Promise Kamwendo headed home Gaddie Chirwa's pinpoint corner in the eighth minute. 

Their lead, however, lasted barely a minute as Patrick Phiri responded instantly for Masters, setting up an absorbing contest.

Wanderers dominated possession and camped in the visitors' half for much of the afternoon, but Chimbamba stood tall.

The former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets goalie pulled off a series of spectacular saves to deny the ants of Lali luban a  winning goal.
 
For instance, in the 56th and 79th minutes, respectively, Wanderers' Mohamad Sulumba and Sama Thierry laid siege to the visitors' penalty area as the Nomads relentlessly searched for a second goal. 

However, Chimbamba stood firm, producing two outstanding, well-timed saves that diverted both efforts behind for corner kicks.

His inspired performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

In a post-match interview, Mighty Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted the result was disappointing but praised his side's performance as outstanding.

"We came here aiming for all three points, but the performance was very encouraging. We'll learn from our mistakes, make the necessary corrections, and come back stronger," He said.

On the other hand, Masters FC  coach Peter Mponda praised his side's resilience, admitting Wanderers controlled large spells of the game.

He said;  "I am very happy with the point we got today. It was a tough game. Wanderers dominated in terms of possession, but we told the boys to minimise the space and not give them time on the ball. In the second half, we did that. I should give credit to the boys," said Mponda.

In other fixtures, Silver Strikers FC were held to a 1-1 draw by LUANAR Mitundu FC, while Karonga United relied on their attacking duo of Eric Mandanda and Kennedy Mwakabaghe to secure a 2-1 victory over Creck Sporting Club.

Meanwhile, the battle of the soldiers in Lilongwe saw Kamuzu Barracks overpower MAFCO FC with a commanding 4-1 triumph.