Deus Mkutu put a huge dent in FCB Nyasa Big Bullets title hopes as his goal helped Red Lions to a 1-1 draw at Balaka Stadium.
Kalisto Pasuwa’s side were dominant throughout but were caught out by a long ball from Chifundo Masapula’s side that proved costly, shortly after Patrick Mwaungulu gave Bullets the lead.
A point for the Peoples Team sees them go one point above Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the TNM Super League title race, but luckily Bullets have the chance to put themselves in the ascendancy with positive results when they complete their two games in hand against Blue Eagles and Dedza Dynamos.
As for Red Lions, a point against Super League leaders leaves them 15th in the table, meaning that their only hope is to win their last game and pray for Moyale Barracks and MAFCO FC to lose all their remaining two games for the Zomba based Soldiers to remain in the elite League.
While not being an ideal result for either side, a point apiece is probably fair on the balance of play.
It was Pasuwa’s side who dominated the first half at Balaka Stadium as they forced Reds back into their won half and put the defence under real pressure from the off.
Maxwell Gasten Phodo went close with two attempts inside opening 20 minutes, only for Ferguson Mtondo to hit the woodwork with a long range effort against the run of play at the other end.
With the scores level at the break, the second half promised much in the way of a breakthrough.
Bullets started the second period with the same intensity that they ended the first half with, as half time substitutes Stanley Billiati and Hassan Kajoke caused havoc in the box.
Patrick Mwaungulu broke the deadlock on 55 minutes with a powerful finish from Billiati’s pass.
Yamikani Fodya could have made it 2-0 on 64th minute but he was denied by the woodwork after curling in a lovely ball from freekick.
However, with Red Lions showing potential on long balls, they equalized on 74th minute after a long ball forward found Deus Mkutu unmarked inside the box who slotted home from close range.
Bullets continued to push forward but we’re frustrated as their opponents defended in numbers until full time.
This means FCB have remained at the summit with 55 points while Red Lions lays 15th with 29 points.
EKWENDENI HAMMERS BEAT CIVIL IN BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL
Ekwendeni Hammers have boosted their survival hopes in the TNM Super League following their 3-2 victory over Civil Service United.
In a game that could have huge repercussions in the relegation battle, captain Blessings Singini rolled home the third goal to secure a vital three points for the Hammers.
It was 1-1 at half time thanks to Samson Chiona goal for Ekwendeni Hammers and an equalizer by Binwell Katinji.
The second half saw the hosts taking a 3-1 lead thanks to Wongani Lungu and Singini’s strikes on 49th and 74th minutes but Civil Service United reduced the arrears on 76th minute through John Dambuleni for the match to end up 3-2.
With the victory, Ekwendeni Hammers have caught Civil Service United on 33 points but the Servant remains 11 due to their superior goal difference while the Hammers are a step behind.
KB JUMP FOURTH
Kamuzu Barracks FC have climbed fourth in the standings after their 1-0 hard fought victory over relegated side, Extreme FC.
Sheriff Maulana scored at 90th minute at Civo Stadium to secure three points for the Chiwoko Boys.
With the win, the Yellow Submarine have displaced Chitipa United with two games to wind up the season for both sides.
KB have accumulated 45 points, a point more of Chitipa United who dropped fifth.
