There was goals galore at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday as Civil Service United twice came from behind to hold visiting FCB Nyasa Bullets to a 2-2 draw in the FDH Bank Premiership opener.
The visitors twice gave up the lead and at the end of the match shared points with the Civil Servants.
New signing Clever Kalambo put Bullets ahead just seven minutes into the game after a fine pass from Misheck Billiat’s assist.
The goal gave Bullets the lead going into recess.
But Civil regrouped and rallied back and in the 59th minute levelled through John Dambuleni powerful header finishing from a rebound giving goalkeeper Pilirani Mapila no chance.
The visitors fought back and restored their lead through another new signing George Chaomba, who capitalised on a melee in the box, following a cornekick beating Rahman John.
But Civil Service never gave up and again took the game to Bullets and were again level with 14 minutes left on the clock.
Khumbo Mhone powerful shot screamed past Mapila.
In a post-match interveiw, Civil head coach Abbas Makawa said he was disappointed with the draw.
He said: “We are disappointed that we managed only a draw. From the way the boys played, we deserved to get all the three points.
“But there were some questionable decisions. I won’t say much, but say I am disappointed.
“This is our first game and we thought there would be some fairness but to no avail.”
Bullets head coach Gilbert Chirwa, despite the draw, had praise for his players.
“The players put up a good hard work We twice went ahead only for Civil Service to cancel our lead.
“We used different combinations and as you know some of the players are new. As we go I believe there will be improvements,” he said.
In other matches played yesterday, Moyale Barracks and Goshen City Dedza Dynamos settled for a goalless draw at Rumphi Stadium.
Silver Strikers are top of the table after defeating Kamuzu Barracks 2-0 at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.
Festus Duwe scored a brace to hand the Bankers full points in their opening match.
The league’s launch match between defending champions Mighty Wanderers and Karonga United was postponed at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
