FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have started the second round of the TNM Super League on a low after they failed to collect maximum points in their respective matches Wednesday.
Bullets fired blanks as they drew 0-0 with Mafco at Chitowe Stadium whereas Wanderers came from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
For Bullets, they have missed a chance to dislodge Silver Strikers at the summit of the log table.
Following the draw, Bullets remain third on the 16-member log table with 31 points from 16 matches, one point below Silver, who claimed a 2-1 victory over Blue Eagles at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.
Chitipa United are still second with 32 points after they registered a 2- 0 victory over Karonga in their opening match of the second round on Sunday.
At Chitowe Stadium, both Bullets and Mafco had chances but failed to break the deadlock.
However, Bullets substitute Hassan Kajoke was stretchered off the field with an injury.
In a post-match reaction, Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa said it was too early to press the panic button in the title race.
“We need to work on our attacking prowess in order for us to improve. The players are putting too much effort,” Pasuwa said.
Mafco Assistant Coach Jimmy Mzunga rued missed chances.
“The boys played according to instructions, only that we failed to utilise the chances we created,” Mzunga said.
The Salima-based soldiers are on position 11 with 18 points.
Mafco captain Paul Ndlovu was named player of the match.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Wanderers came from behind to collect a point against Red Lions.
Moses Nankumba scored for the Zomba-based soldiers in the sixth minute but Lawrence Chaziya pulled the Nomads level three minutes after the break.
The Nomads remain fourth with 29 points whereas Red Lions are still stuck on position 14 with 15 points.
Wanderers Coach Mark Harrison was frustrated with the result.
“Unbelievable result as we dominated the game. We keep on dropping points with teams we could have beaten,” Harrison said.
Lions Assistant Coach Malumbo Mkandawire said half a loaf is better than none.
“We contained Wanderers at home, which is good for us,” he said.
Vitumbiko Kumwenda was the man-of-the-match.
Elsewhere, there was a dramatic end in a match between Civil Service United and Extreme at Civo Stadium.
Patrick Phiri scored in the 89th minute for Civil but the lead was short-lived as Beston Jimu equalised for the Rookies.
Civil are on position six with 20 points from 16 matches whereas Extreme anchor the log table with 10 points from the same number of matches.
Griffin Ng’anjo was the player of the match.
