Blue Eagles have gone top of the FDH Bank Premiership log table after FCB Nyasa Bullets yesterday survived a scare in a lively 1-1 draw at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
The People’s Team had to come from behind to rescue a point through substitute Ephraim Kondowe, who cancelled out Tonic Viyuyi’s first-half strike.
Blue Eagles led 1-0 at half-time after Viyuyi scored with an instinctive header in the 38th minute.
The hosts had started strongly and could have gone ahead as early as the second minute.
A well-delivered corner by Mecium Mhone caused havoc in the Bullets box, but Innocent Nyangulu made a crucial goal-line clearance to rescue the visitors.
Bullets had their first meaningful opportunity in the 26th minute when Eagles conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area, but Clever Kalambo’s effort was comfortably dealt with by Eagles goalkeeper Precious Masamba.
Moments later, Bullets again failed to capitalise from a corner as the hosts maintained their composure at the back.
The visitors, led by Player of the match, workaholic holding midfielder Paul Master playing against his former team, returned from the break with renewed urgency and found the equaliser just five minutes into the second-half.
Kondowe, who had replaced Yamikani Mologeni moments earlier, reminded Bullets supporters of his knack for scoring crucial goals.
The forward reacted quickest after Masamba failed to deal with the ball, pouncing with predatory instinct to slot home the equaliser.
The goal brought visible relief both in the stands and on the Bullets bench.
Bullets continued to push for a winner and threatened again in the 57th minute when Hassan Kajoke played a fine pass to Madalitso Safuli, but the midfielder lacked composure and fired off target.
A minute later, the visitors wasted another set-piece opportunity as Andrew Jovinala’s free-kick struck the Eagles defensive wall.
Wongani Lungu also came close to giving Bullets the lead, but his powerful effort sailed inches wide, much to the relief of Masamba.
The result means Eagles have moved to the top of the log tbale with 10 points while Bullets now tie at nine points with Silver and Masters FC who play today.
But Eagles coach Deklerk Msakakuona in post-match interview said he was disappointed with the draw.
He said: “We really wanted to win.”
On his part, Bullets coach Gilbert Chirwa said the result was fair.
