FCB Nyasa Big Bullets blew the chance to reduce the gap to one pont with TNM Super League leaders Mighty Mukuru Wanderers as they came from a goal down to force a draw with struggling side, Ekwendeni Hammers.
After Moyale Barracks and MAFCO FC held title contenders Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers respectively in their last matches, The People’s Team knew only a win against Ekwendeni Hammers would be enough to regain a healthy advantage in title race but their start of the game was poor following bad pitch condition as well as heavy winds at Rumphi Stadium.
The Hammers who also struggled to settle down due to same reasons with Bullets could have taken the lead after half hour mark when Sammy Phiri robbed the ball from Clyde Senaji’s feet and run towards the box but his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Rabson Chienda.
Chances continued to be scarce in the first half until 40 minutes when the hosts took the lead through Isaac Msiska who made a simple tap in from Blessings Singini’s freekick.
After conceding, the defending Champions, reacted quickly as they pressed for an equalizer and they pulled level on 45th minute through Lanjesi Nkhoma whose shot from a far beat Ekwendeni Hammers goalies Mika Chienda to force a 1-1 draw at half time.
In the second half, Bullets who introduced Ephraim Kondowe and Blessings Mpokera for Nkhoma and Hassan Kajoke after the recess, were the first to knock on Ekwendeni Hammers goal after 55 minutes through Eric Kaonga but his effort was tipped away by Mica Chienda for a corner to Bullets.
The hosts introduced Isaiah Nyirenda and Samson Chiona for Msiska and Samuel Adeyemi, the changes that greatly improved their attack.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets had goalkeeper Chienda to thank as he denied Singini twice from scoring after producing excellent saves inside last 12 minutes.
Though Bullets brought in McFarlane Mgwira, Antony Mfune and Precious Sambani who replaced Patrick Mwaungulu, Maxwell Gasten Phodo and Chawanangwa Gumbo but nothing changed until the two sides shared the spoils.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets now remains with three games to match leaders Mighty Mukuru Wanderers. The People’s Team have 44 points against Wanderers’ 47 points.
Speaking after the match, Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa mentioned that his players failed to adapt pitch condition at Rumphi Stadium.
“A very scrappy game where we didn’t do enough interms of playing, always we were panicking to forward but again we were relying on second balls those are some of the games we need to master that when we playing these other teams away from home in bumpy pitches we can fare well” said Pasuwa.
His counterpart, Luckson Nyoni concurred with Pasuwa that pitch condition disrupted his team’s play.
“The pitch is bumpy so after that shot [by Lanjesi Nkhoma] the ball bounced in front of our goalkeeper and landed into the net but it wasn’t a bad performance, we prepared for a draw if we fail to beat them so we are happy” said Nyoni
The Hammers, are a step above relegation, on 14th with 30 points from 26 games.
