Defending champions Be Forward Wanderers yesterday missed a chance to significantly narrow the gap with leaders Nyasa Big Bullets after they were held to a one-all draw by Masters Security FC at Dedza Stadium.
The Nomads fell behind to a first-half Babatunde Adeboye goal before Joseph Kamwendo ensured they escaped with a point when he converted from the penalty spot in the closing half.
The result means the Nomads go into the Blantyre derby against their bitter rivals Bullets, this Saturday trailing by seven points.
Wanderers, who beat Civil Sporting Club on Saturday, currently lie second, having amassed 38 points from 19 games.
Reacting to the draw, Wanderers team manager Steve Madeira blamed it on fatigue.
“We have played three away games so fatigue has caught up with us.
“Nonetheless, we are pleased with the result though we could have loved to get all the three points,” he said.
Looking ahead to the derby, Madeira said their target is to emerge victorious: “If we are to close the gap then all we need is to beat Bullets.”
At Nankhaka ground, Blue Eagles beat stubborn Mzuzu University (Mzuni) FC 1-0 to soar to fourth position, dislodging city rivals Civil Sporting Club.
Maxwell Salambula struck in the 31st minute to ensure his side secured its first win of the second round having drawn its previous two.
The Police side now has 28 points from 18 games and their assistant coach Christopher Sibale said their mission is to break into the top three.
The loss has seen Mzuni FC, who also succumbed to a similar loss to Silver Strikers on Saturday, drop a step down to position 15 after Mafco beat Red Lions 1-0 to go up to position 14.
At Mulanje Stadium, Karonga United pulled off a surprising 0-1 victory over Azam Tigers. Bernard Msiska goal ensured the Crocodiles recovered from a 3-1 loss to Bullets on Saturday to end their Southern Region sojourn triumphantly.
Karonga are now lying on position eight after bagging 23 points from 20 games.
Meanwhile, former champions Kamuzu Barracks’ struggles continued after they were defeated by Dwangwa United 2-1 to fall just a place off the relegation zone.
