Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Blue Eagles on Sunday missed an opportunity to narrow the gap with TNM Super League leaders Nyasa Big Bullets when they played out a one-all draw at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Following the result, the Malawi Police Service-sponsored outfit remains second with 29 points from 13 games, six points adrift of the People’s Team. On the other hand, the Lali Lubani Road side is third in the 16-team league with 23 points from 12 matches.
In a thrilling contest that stirred the passions, the hosts took the lead in the sixth minute through Muhammad Sulumba’s low shot from the edge of the 18-yard box that gave Eagles’ goalkeeper Brightone Munthali no chance.
But the cops pulled level in the 33rd minute through Micium Mhone who dinked the ball home after Wanderers goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa had fumbled an otherwise harmless attempt.
From then on, action catapulted from end to end in search of a winner.
Nomads came close to claiming the second in the 40th minute through Sulumba, but his header from close range was brilliantly kept out by Munthali to the disbelief of the Nomads’ faithful.
Eagles’ Trouble Banda also missed a good chance in the 68th minute when his attempt from the six yards went marginally wide.
Sulumba also had a chance to claim a brace in the 70th minute, but his header went wide.
In the second minute of added time, the Nomads thought they had grabbed a late winner through Vitumbiko Kumwenda, but one of the assistant referees had his flag up for an infringement.
In a post-match interview, Nomads coach Eddingtone Ng’onamo said they were robbed of a clear goal.
He said: “There was no infringement, maybe the assistant referee did not have a clear view. It is disappointing because this was a must-win match for us.
“Anyway, I think pound-for-pound we were better than our opponents. Now, we will be looking at winning our three remaining first round matches.”
On the other hand, Eagles coach Elia Kananji said by coming from behind to claim a point, his charges demonstrated fighting spirit.
“The solace though is that we were able to score today, ending our three-game goal drought. It shows that we are recovering,” he said.
In other games, Kamuzu Barracks were held to a one-all draw by rookies Sable Farming. KB remain fourth with 20 points from 12 matches while Sable are 14th with 10 points from 11 matches. Mafco FC beat Dedza Dynamos 2-0, TN Stars and Civil Service United played out a two-all draw while Karonga United beat Rumphi United 1-0.
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