Tigers scare frustrates Bullets

Big Bullets failed to climb second on the TNM Super League rung when they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Azam Tigers in a peaceful Kamuzu Stadium affair yesterday.

Bullets could only go as far as 32 points from 20 games, counting out Kamuzu Barracks from the third place, two points more than the soldiers. Blue Eagles are second on 34 points, two behind leaders Red Lions.

Tigers lie ninth on 28 points from 20 games.

Except for brief Tigers coach Leo Mpulula and technical director Robin Alufandika’s heated exchanges with referee Beyard Winga over usual jazz of suspect officiation, the game was generally entertaining on a bright afternoon that pooled a good crowd.

Tigers, playing without any fear of the once mighty opposition, made their intent known when they kept stretching Bullets wide. Barely seven minutes, Kau Kau went ahead. Lawrence Milanzi curled at the far post of Owen Chaima’s goalposts what could surely be a goal of the season contender.

The ball, dispatched from the right-wing 40 metres out, started off like a cross only to dip at the goal mouth. It was a cross that had all qualities of beauty; power, timing, swerve and precision.

Bullets, with Fischer Kondowe and James Chilapondwa on the bench before being introduced late, had to reply. Sankhani Mkandawire bounced the ball over the posts off a corner-kick. Diverson Mlozi could not slot past Tigers goalkeeper Thomas Kalavina at the near post.

But, somehow, Chimango Kaira scrambled in the equaliser on the 29th minute, thanks to Hetson Munthali who expertly switched a long ball from left to right before it was cut into the penalty box. From the hit-and-miss that ensued, Kaira managed to slot the ball into the net.

Earlier, Munthali had a goal ruled offside minutes after shooting terribly wide while all by himself. Mlozi and Henry Kabichi followed in similar fashion—fluffing decent scoring opportunities leaving coach Eddingtone Ng’onamo with questions over his frontline.

“We had five clear opportunity but scoring is a problem. Tigers had one chance, but they scored,” Ng’onamo complained.