An epic TNM Super League top of the table battle between Silver Strikers and Nyasa Big Bullets yesterday ended in a goalless stalemate at Silver Stadium.
The result means the Bankers have survived at the top with 31 points while Bullets are following closely with 29 points.
The hosts had entered the pitch leading the log table with Bullets hoping to displace them.
Despite no goals being registered, it was a closely-fought match from the start with both sides missing some clear cut chances.
Thuso Paipi missed a Duncan Nyoni cross in the box as Bullets defenders John Lanjesi and Sankhani Mkandawire ball-watched three minutes into the game.
Henry Kabichi’s long ball was headed in the path of Patrick Phiri by Young Chimodzi Jnr, but the striker scorching shot was ably tamed by Silver goalkeeper Steven Micheta.
Bullets’ Phiri came closest to score in the 21st minute.
After receiving a good pass from Chiukepo, he weaved through Silver defence and went on to dribble past to dribble past goalkeeper Micheta but the resulting effort went harmlessly wide.
Silver were unfortunate not to go ahead in the 37th minute after Zikani Kasambala goal-bound header was blocked by his team mate Trevor Kalima.
The Bankers nearly got a goal in the 52nd minute but Jack Chiona’s connection from Thuso Paulo cross was cleared by Chiyenda.
Bullets replied with an offensive move of their own.
Good passing play involving Kabichi, Lanjesi and Bright Munthali split up the hosts defence and Kabichi played unmarked Phiri whose grounder was cleared for a corner.
Bullets were also denied by defender Mike Ntonya who rose to clear Msowoya goal-bound shot into safety in the 70th minute.
“It was a great game and each team was committed to win. We attacked and attacked but could not find the goal. The result is fair as our opponents too had chances. We have a game in hand and we need to win that,” said Bullets team manager James Chilapondwa in a post match interview.
But Silver team manager Francis Songo rued missed opportunities.
“Had we been composed, it could have been a positive result for us,” he said.
