…Wanderers held…
Nyasa Big Bullets are two points away from clinching the TNM Super League title following their 2-nil victory over Azam Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Bullets came into the game sitting just three points above Be Forward Wanderers and while they were hoping for their rivals to slip up, they knew that they could not afford any setbacks of their own.
Tigers were good in the first half, frustrating the log leaders who failed to use their wings as they were closed down by the hosts.
Bullets only managed three shots at goal in the entire half from which Christopher Mikuwa produced fantastic saves.
At the other end, Peter Katsonga created Tigers’ first goal scoring opportunity but he drafted his shot over the cross-bar with Bullets defence already in tatters.
In the second half, Bullets brought in Righteous Banda and MacPhallen Mgwira for Dalitso Sailesi and Fischer Kondowe.
This change is all what Bullets needed as they increased their attacking options, creating goalscoring chances but Mikuwa was always on high alert to frustrate the visitors.
Despite Tigers’ resilience, Bullets were able to find their opener in a fantastic fashion.
A low drive effort from Ngwira was saved by Mikuwa for a corner, from which Chiukepo Msowoya produced a bullet header to beat Mikuwa into the top corner, 1-0.
With Dwangwa leveling the scoreline in Chitowe, Bullets knew that another goal was needed to completely secure the much needed points and they exactly did that in a brilliant way.
Banda’s individual brilliance saw him delivering a million dollar cross into the box which was first missed by Msowoya before Ngwira’s diving header to send the whole stadium into a fenzy.
Tony Mbulu came in for Tigers while Msowoya was substituted for Mussa Manyenje.
Bullets should have added their third goal of the day when Bright Munthali was played through by Banda only to send his effort just an inch away from Mikuwa’s goal line.
Tigers tried their level best to at least try to reduce the arrears but Miracle Gabeya’s led defense stood firm to grab all the points for the 13th-time league championship to inch closer to their 14-th time league title.
At Chitowe Stadium, Victor Harawa scored a second half goal to cancel out a Joseph Kamwendo’s stunning free-kick and grab an important point in their quest for survival and at the same time, putting Wanderers’ title hopes in jeopardy.
However, the Nkhotakota based side are just sitting two points adrift of safety with a game to go before wrapping up the season.
Lloyd Nkhwazi’s side must win their remaining game and at the same time, hope for defeats to fellow relegation contenders, especially Red Lions who will play Bullets in their final game.
As for Wanderers, they are now five points behind Bullets with two games to play.
