Blue Eagles delay Bullets’ early title hopes

Blue Eagles yesterday derailed FCB Nyasa Bullets’ hopes to close in on the TNM Super League title after a goalless draw at Nankhaka in Lilongwe.

But the result boosted Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ title hopes. The Nomads are now two points behind the leaders Bullets although the People’s Team have a match in hand.

Bullets are seeking to defend the title while Eagles are fighting for survival in the top-flight league.

Bullets now have 56 points from 27 games, two points above second-placed Wanderers who have played a game more while Blue Eagles are in eighth position with 35 points, but only four points separate them from the third bottom team Moyale Barracks of Mzuzu.

Fatigue and pressure visibly took a toll on both teams, especially in the first half in which they put up lacklustre performances.

Bullets’ Ephraim Kondowe could have given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute, but failed to score in the box.

Minutes later, Paul Master’s long-range shot went over the bar.

However, both teams created better chances in the second half. In the 56th minute, the hosts came close through Tonic Viyuyu’s effort from close range, but goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba saved the situation.

On the other hand, Eagles defender McDonald Lameck made a crucial  block to deny Stanley Billiati scoring opportunity in the 70th minute.

In the 77th minute, Eagles nearly got a goal when Trouble Banda’s shot was fumbled by Chimbamba, but he managed to tame the ball on second attempt.

Blue Eagles coach Elia Kananji bemoaned his team’s wastefulness.

“We didn’t use the chances we created. We wanted the three points, but we only managed a point. We are optimistic of beating relegation.

His counterpart Kallisto Pasuwa blamed the performance on fatigue and unfair officiation.

He said: “It was a physical game, but playing away is always difficult. We had good chances in the second half, but we failed to score. Another factor is that we are playing games in a space of three days. It’s difficult to recover and that has caused us a lot of injuries.”