At this stage, the battle for the 2023 TNM Super League title is slowly turning into a three-horse race between defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers.
However, it looks like the title is for Bullets to lose this season as they have three games in hand against their closest contenders Wanderers as the race has reached the climax.
With few games to wind up the season, Bullets just need four wins out of their remaining matches to retain the title.
And this afternoon, they face Kamuzu Barracks in what could be a tricky tie for either side at Kamuzu Stadium.
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Ahead of this afternoon’s match, Bullets lead the 16-member log table on goal difference as they are tied on 50 points with Wanderers.
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If Bullets get a positive result in this afternoon’s tie, they will open a three-point gap at the summit and will move closer to retaining the title. This will be their 17th title overall if they win the season.
Their rivals Wanderers have been inconsistent in the title race.
Bullets can get a maximum of 71 points if they win all matches whereas Wanderers will have 62 points.
For third-placed Silver Strikers, they might be dark horses in the title race but they are still in it.
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Silver have 46 points from 25 matches and can only manage 61 points if they get maximum points in all the remaining matches.
On the part of fourth-placed Chitipa, they can only reach 58 points.
However, today’s match between Bullets and KB at Kamuzu Stadium will also give a clear picture of the title race.
Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa warned his charges against complacency in the remaining matches.
“I am not confident enough and I am still struggling to see how I can manage my squad. Remember, we are playing games each and every week,” he said.
Bullets and KB drew 0-0 in the first round at Civo Stadium.
Pasuwa will be without four players namely Alick Lungu, Mike Mkwate, Kesten Simbi and Ernest Petro due to injuries.
However, KB will be out of the title race but looking to move up the table this afternoon.
KB Assistant Coach Ted Kalinda was optimistic of getting a positive result.
“We have chances of finishing in the top two and will keep on fighting until the last match of the season,” Kalinda said.
KB will miss Zeliat Nkhoma after he accumulated two yellow cards.
The soldiers are fifth on the log table with 39 points from 25 matches.
Elsewhere, Civil Service United will be looking to move out of the danger zone when they face Chitipa at Civo Stadium.
Civil are on position 13 with 29 points from 25 matches, just one point above the relegation zone.
