TNM Super League champions Nyasa Big Big Bullets yesterday survived a scare from marauding Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre as they came from behind to force a one-all draw.
The result saw Bullets move four steps up to fifth on the 16-team log-table with four points from two games while Tigers are now third with five points from three games.
Tigers drew first blood in the 51st minute through Tony Mbulu’s strike before the People’s Team restored parity in the 74th minute through Sankhani Mkandawire.
Mbulu scored with a simple tap-in on the rebound after goalkeeper Rabson Chienda fumbled Mathias Nyirenda’s thunderbolt.
However, with time running out, Bullets equalised when Mkandawire towered above the Tigers defence to head the ball home from a Yamikani Fodya well-curled corner kick.
For the first time in over two seasons, Tigers appeared certain to end Bullets’ unbeaten run at home. They were a better side in both attack and defence.
Last season, Bullets beat the Kau-Kau Boys 3-0 in the first round and 2-0 in the second round, but this time around, the Kau-Kau Boys were on song.
Relief was the prevalent emotion for Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa at the sound of the final whistle.
“Today, I would say well done to our opposition. They played a high pressing game and we were second on the ball most of the times. It took time for us to gain possession. Next time we need to build from the back,” he said.
On the other hand, Tigers’ technical director Robin Alufandika said: “This was a tough game. We had three points in our pockets but they disappeared due to our recklessness in the dying minutes of the match.
“Despite that, I would say we are the best team in the country at the moment and we are not disappointed with the result.”
In other matches, Blue Eagles settled for a goalless draw with newcomers Mlatho Mponela at Nankhaka ground while TN Stars collected their first three points after beating Dwangwa United 1-0 at Kasungu Stadium.
Stain Dave scored the lone goal to help Stars move up to ninth with four points from four games.
As for Eagles, their failure to secure maximum points has prevented them from tying on nine points with leaders Civil Sporting Club, who have won all their three matches so far. They now remain second on the table with seven points from three games.
