The TNM Super League title race took a new twist Wednesday after contenders registered mixed fortunes in their respective matches.
Leaders Silver Strikers were held to a goal-less draw by Bangwe All Stars at Balaka Stadium whereas Mighty Mukuru Wanderers defeated Fomo 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.
This means the gap between Silver and Wanderers is five points, with nine matches to wind up the season.
The Central Bankers, who are hoping to end their 11-year wait for the TNM Super League title, have 49 points from 21 matches whereas Wanderers have 44 points from the same number of matches.
However, both Silver and Wanderers have tricky assignments this weekend.
Silver will face Creck Sporting Club at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Kapiri, Mchinji District, whereas Wanderers will face Karonga United at Karonga Ground on Saturday.
Wisdom Mpinganjira’s decisive goal in the 8th minute of the match was the difference.
In a match monitored on Fifa+, Mpinganjira danced on the edge of the box before curling the ball into the top corner.
For now, Wanderers have done everything to keep the pressure on Silver, despite Central Bankers coach Peter Mponda undermining their title credentials recently.
However, the title is still in Silver’s hands.
The two teams will face each other towards the end of the season.
Silver and Wanderers will also play defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
After the draw with Bangwe, Mponda said his charges were comfortably in control in the title race.
“We are frustrated that we only got one point from the match. They came to frustrate us and they successfully did that. We have a five points cushion; we are still very comfortable. We are not looking on who is coming towards us,” Mponda said.
Despite the draw, Bangwe are still stuck in the relegation zone with 19 points, three points from safety.
On his part, Wanderers coach Meke Mwase said they were not focusing on other teams.
“We are not going to focus on what other teams are doing. What we want is to win each match and we will see what will happen,” Mwase said.
Elsewhere, Bullets displaced Civil Service United following a goal-less draw with Mzuzu City Hammers at Mzuzu Stadium.
Bullets have 34 points from 21 matches, above Civil on goal difference.
However, Civil have played a match more.
