Moyale Barracks yesterday left it late to snatch an equaliser and force Mighty Mukuru Wanderers to a one-all draw in a TNM Super League match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
In a match monitored on Mpira TV, the Nomads, who sit at the top of the table, appeared on course to bag full points and open a six-point gap with their age-old rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets, but there was a sting in the tail for the Lali Lubani Road outfit when Hassan Upindi earned the Malawi Defence Force side an equaliser after a wave of attacks in the 90th minute.
Nomads coach Mark Harrison, whose side leads their second-placed rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets by four points, having played four games more, sat motionless as he struggled to come to terms with reality.
With his head hang in disappointment, the Briton looked dejected and it was evident in the post-match interview.
With his voice straining with emotion, Harrison said: “I am totally disappointed. We have given away two points.
“We were in front and had two or three opportunities to finish the game, but we didn’t.
“We didn’t control the game at any point and I think the performance was below par…I can’t tell you what I think, it’s disappointing.
“I am totally disappointed, we have given away two massive points.”
He also said they had two one-on-one chances through Chirwa and Christopher Kumwembe, but they failed to make them count
The Nomads have 47 points from 24 matches and will be hoping that Bullets drop eight points out of a possible 12 from their games in hand for them to have a realistic chance of challenging them for the title. A tall order.
Wanderers took the lead in the 16th minute through captain Stanley Sanudi after an exchange of passes with winger Gaddie Chirwa.
But just when the Nomads faithful thought it would be another afternoon of their traditional ‘beskeshu’ jive, the Mzuzu-based soldiers spoiled the party with a late winner.
Moyale coach Victor Chingoka said after struggling in the first half, his charges came up with renewed purpose in the second half, forcing the Nomads into rearguard action.
“I told my players to take it easy and not to panic and it paid off,” said the coach, whose side lies 16th with 30 points from 24 matches.
In another match, Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar came from a goal down to beat Blue Eagles 2-1.
The cops took the lead in the fifth minute through Christopher Gototo, but Charles Chipala, who was named Farmers Organisation man-of-the-match levelled the scores in the 23rd minute before Simeon Singa scored the winner from the spot in the 60th minute.
The penalty was awarded after Eagles’ Lawrent Banda had handled in the box.
