Chilapondwa saves Bullets

James Chilapondwa’s 55th minute controversial penalty earned Big Bullets a 1-1 draw with Silver Strikers and the biggest beneficiaries of the Kamuzu Stadium result were TNM Super League leaders Blantyre United who lost 3-1 to Kamuzu Barracks on Sunday.

The standings remain unchanged at the top with Blantyre United, who had edged Blue Eagles 1-0 on Saturday, topping on 48 points from 25 games, Silver second with 44 points in 21 matches and Bullets placed third at 43 points in 23 outings.

Silver left the Blantyre stadium while grumbling after referee Franscisco Scova had pointed to the dreaded spot for Chilapondwa to level matters. This was after Dave Moya had headed the visitors in front in the 46th minute.

Silver players protested the decision leading to a four-minute stoppage. And when Silver gave in, Chilapondwa stepped forward and scored past goalkeeper Charles Swini.

The Bankers must feel great injustice as Scova had sent out of the pitch member of the technical team Sibuso Padambo after heated exchanges a few minutes after break. Then, Silver were in control, Moya rising at the back post unmarked to head into the net.

A minute later, from a return pass striker Rodrick Gonani, grazed the bar with a shot on the turn. Bullets’ meek response was through Chimango Kaira’s fierce drive that scorched Swini’s palms.

Thereafter, Silver retained a firm grip of the game with Malata feeling unlucky to have his effort ruled offside after slotting into the net from Bullets’ Owen Chaima’s fumble.

It was a dramatic turn of the game which was lifeless and uninspiring the whole first-half with neither side creating enough. In Lilongwe, Kamuzu Barracks scored through Jawadu Sumani (two) and Dan Ziba while Blantyre United netted through Abraham Kamwendo.

In Zomba, Red Lions’ Boniface Kaulesi goal and Thomas Makombwa double cancelled out Charles Chilembo’s lone response for the Mzuzu rookies.