Bullets catch up with leaders Silver Strikers
Nyasa Big Bullets have caught up with Silver Strikers at the summit of the TNM Super League after a laboured 2-1 victory over Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre yesterday.
The result means the Bullets and Silver tie at 39 points apiece, but the Central Bankers, who drew 0-0 with Red Lions in an abandoned match on Saturday, are still leading on goal difference.
Besides, Silver also have a game in hand, having played 18 matches.
Bullets took an early lead just three minutes into the match from a striker Hassan Kajoke penalty following a foul by goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa on Precious Phiri.
Mikuwa missed a cross from Yamikani Fodya and the goalkeeper went for advancing Phiri, prompting the referee to award the penalty.
Chiukepo Msowoya should have doubled the lead 10 minutes later after being set up by Kajoke, but the veteran forward saw his weak shot saved by Mikuwa.
But the youthful goalkeeper succumbed in the 53rd minute after his defence allowed Kajoke to set up midfielder Chimwemwe Idana, who was also named man-of-the-match, to slot in at close range.
Tigers never gave up and fought hard to pull one back in 86th minute through Precious Chipungu from the spot-kick after defender Sankhani Mkandawire fouled Fatsani Chilikuntima in the box.
Tigers coach Trevor Kajawa said they played well in the second half though the early goal let them down.
“We gave Bullets easy goals. We played well. You can see that the boys are working hard. The teams is improving,” he said.
Bullets mentor Callisto Pasuwa, however, described the victory as a hard-fought one.
“We were second on the ball in most cases of the game. But the fact that we collected full points means we are geared up to chase the team which is on top of us,” he said.
In other games, TN Stars edged Ntopwa FC 2-1 at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township.
Alfred Chizinga claimed a brace for the visitors while Kondwani Saizi scored for Ntopwa.
Kamuzu Barracks and Red Lions played out a goalless draw so did Mafco FC and Karonga United.
Mzuzu Warriors and Chitipa United also drew one-all at Mzuzu Stadium. Suzgo Mwakisinga was on target for Warriors while Alex Benson replied for the visitors.
