Be Forward Wanderers are, for this week, three points ahead of second-placed Silver Strikers, whose 1-1 draw against Masters Security in Dedza did the Nomads a big favour.
An added advantage for Wanderers, who beat Blantyre United 2-0 through Esau Kanyenda and Harry Nyirenda’s second-half goals at Chilomoni Stadium in Blantyre, is that they have a game in hand.
The Nomads have 41 points from 17 games ahead of Silver who have dropped 16 points from their eight damaging draws that have undermined their unbeaten league run. Silver have 38 points from 18 games.
But so close is the league race that it takes only two defeats to change the complexion of the log table. Nyasa Big Bullets, on third place (34 points), Blue Eagles (fourth position with 31 points) and, indeed, Silver are very much in the championship picture.
Wanderers, who have conceded the least goals (six), are partly struggling due to injuries. They lined up against United on Sunday minus the likes of Yamikani Chester, Isaac Kaliyati, Amos Bello, Lucky Malata and Peter Wadabwa.
But the Nomads have enough depth to cope with eventualities whereas Silver’s main problem has been inability to put away the chances.
Silver have conceded just seven goals, suggesting that defending might not be their big problem.
The Bankers are heavily dependent on striker Matthews Sibale who once again put them in front in Dedza on Sunday, only for Francis Mkonda to level matters.
Bullets have not been at their fluent best but they know how to grind out results from a variety of sources such as Nelson Kangunje, Chiukepo Msowoya and, now, Muhamad Sulumba.
Silver and Wanderers should watch out for Bullets and Blue Eagles who, fired up by leading scorer Mphatso Filimoni’s 10 goals, have climbed up steadily on the log table.
There is no doubt that second-round meetings among the top four title favourites might shape the race.
Down the table, Chitipa United and Blantyre United, who have 11 points each, are under increasing threat of relegation.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues