TNM Super League defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets earned bragging rights for the league’s first round with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium Wednesday.
Despite failing to collect maximum points, Bullets remained at the summit after title contenders Silver Strikers were held to a goalless draw by Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium.
Following the results, Bullets top the table with 30 points from 15 matches whereas Silver lie second with 29 points from the same number of fixtures.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Bullets were made to sweat as stubborn Tigers threatened to cause an upset, having taken the lead moments after Bullets striker Hassan Kajoke had his penalty kick saved by Tigers goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu in the 27th minute.
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Bullets were awarded the penalty after a Tigers player handled the ball inside the 18- yard box.
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However, Nyasulu’s heroics summed up Bullets’ frustrating afternoon of shared spoils.
Precious Chiudza deservedly gave Tigers the lead in the 33rd minute after beating goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba.
But Bullets came back into the match through Ephraim Kondowe, who replaced MacFarlane Mgwira.
Kondowe equalised for the defending champions in the 48th minute after connecting home a Patrick Mwaungulu cross.
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Collecting a single point out of a possible three might have been frustrating for Bullets but what mattered most was that they had won the round.
Coach for the People’s Team Kalisto Pasuwa expressed satisfaction with the result.
“We are satisfied with the performance. Remember, we keep rejuvenating the team every year. It is one of those things that happen in a game. We are in a race where we will see how we will perform at the end of the season,” Pasuwa said.
His Tigers counterpart Christopher Nyambose said they expect better performances in the second round.
“We might have struggled in the first round but we will not get relegated. Things will change for the better in the second round because the team is now gelling,” Nyambose said.
Kau Kau have finished the first round on 14th position with 14 points.
At Mzuzu Stadium, it was a balanced affair as both sides had chances to score but ended up settling for a goalless draw.
Silver Coach Pieter de Jongh said his side remains a serious contender for the title.
de Jongh said he needs to beef up the squad in the current transfer window but declined to disclose his potential targets.
“I hope my board will approve the list of players that I want. I have already presented this list to them. I joined this team in February when the selection of players was already done. Now it will be my turn to present my own selection,” he said.
Moyale Assistant Coach Victor Chingoka said missing out on the top eight is disappointing.
“We are a big team that should not be finishing on position 10. This is quite painful to us. We need to fine-tune and improve in the second round,” Chingoka said.
The Mzuzu-based Malawi Defence Force side has finished the first round with 18 points.
