Nyasa Big Bullets came from behind to claim a 1-all draw against rivals Blue Eagles at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to subsequently extend their dropping points streak to three games.
Trouble Banda scored in the 63rd minute before Chimwemwe Idana pulled level after the 71st minute for the sides to share the spoils in a highly charged match with the title honors in sight.
The result means that Bullets have now let go six points from three matches although solace rests in the fact that they are top of the table with 58 points, and now eight points clear of the Eagles as both teams look to round off the season in six matches each at the moment.
The visiting side showed a statement of intent with scintillating displays by their veteran attacker Micium Mhone whose pairing upfront with captain Schumacher Kuwali kept the Bullets’ defense in its laces.
But manning the goalposts was Clever Mkungula who kept out efforts cemented by one from Richard Rapson.
Sensing danger, Bullets have to bank on their home support to mark a presumably effective response as a sprinting Chimwemwe Idana saw his lowly taken shot straight into the palms of Brighton Munthali.
Idana and Anthony Mfunde would go on to exchange balls but former Bullets player Sankhani Mkandawire who paired with Jacob Robert was equal to the task and able to clear out the home side’s efforts.
A visibly troubled Kalisto Pasuwa stood on the touchline and perhaps his voice would go in the air just like those of Eliah Kananji on the other end facing his former side.
But in a match in which chances kept coming, either way, the two sides would go for recess with no goals on record.
Just two minutes into the second half, Bullets appeared more zealous to take the lead as Mfune rose the highest in a duel with Robert from a corner kick by Gomezgani Chirwa but the effort just went marginally wide sending the Bullets fans into a deceitful feeling of a lead.
Five minutes later, the Eagles would sail through a similar feeling when MacDonald Lameck ‘s header from a Mhone freekick was quickly ruled out for offside by the referee Zebron Lengani although Kananji and his backroom staff staged a small protest against the decision.
Mhone continued to be a thorn in the flesh for the home side no wonder his well-taken cross met the feet of Trouble Banda who managed to round off Mkungula with a powerful shot just right in the 66th minute.
The lead saw Pasuwa ringing changes bringing on forward Hassan Kajoke for Babatunde Adepoju who was kept at bay although it was a substitution based on an injury.
Eleven minutes later the substitute went on to exchange passes with Idana who later was set by Patrick Mwaungulu to restore parity.
The remaining minutes were all dominated by missed chances as both goalkeepers put up spirited performances to deny each other’s
With the stalemate, it means that the gap between the two sides remains at eight as they both have six games in the line.
In other matches, George Chaomba was on target as Mighty Tigers pulled a surprise win over Silver Strikers at Bingu national stadium in Lilongwe.
The result means the Silver lie 7th and have 39 points from 26 games while Tigers remain 11th with 31 points from 28 games.
At Dedza Stadium, Charles Chipala bagged the goal from a penalty kick to inspire Dedza Dynamos to a 1-0 victory over Mafco FC.
The win for Dedza means the rookies are in position means 8th position with 39 points from 25 games while the Soldiers from Salima remain 5th with 40 points from 26 games.
At the newly opened Champions Stadium, Civil Service United were 2-1 winners over relegated Rumphi United at Champions Stadium in Mponela.
The Servants still lie 9th with 35 points from 26 games whilst Rumphi United are at bottom of the table with 10 points from 28 games and their fate has already been sealed.
