The highly anticipated Blantyre Derby, in the TNM Super League between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers produced a 1-1 stalemate, on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium.
With the bragging rights and league contention at stake, the 72nd edition of the derby lived up to its billing with thousands of supporters packed in the stands.
While Bullets quickly established their dominance in the middle of the park, Wanderers looked dangerous, especially on the right flank with Stanley Sanudi whose efforts resulted into 3 early corners.
Bullets had a fair share of chances as seen in the 24th minute when Eric Kaonga managed to tip the ball over William Thole however Peter Cholopi cleared the ball from danger.
With Wanderers regrouping in attack, the ball was passed to Sanudi towards the right flank where he launched a thunder bolt from 30 yards out to beat goalie Rabson Chiyenda to send the Wanderers supporters into a frenzy with a 1-0 advantage.
Bullets made changes at the half, introducing Precious Sambani and Hassan Kajoke for Eric Kaonga and Antony Mfune and in unison upped the tempo of the game in search for the equalizer.
Their effort was rewarded in the 58th minute when Maxwell Phodo equalized with a tap in from Kajoke’s rebounded shot, with the Stadium largely painted red in support for Bullets erupting into joy.
During the last 20 minutes it was all Wanderers as the hosts settled to defend and see off the match.
In a post-match interview, Coach for Wanderers, Mark Harrison expressed satisfaction with the result while noting that the title is for Bullets to lose as they can only focus on winning their remaining games.
“It’s a derby a big game with a lot of expectations from both teams I can’t be upset with the result,” Harrison said.
While Coach for Bullets, Kalitso Pasuwa said his team managed the game while highlighting that he anticipated a drop in form after the 60 minute mark due to their recent congested fixtures.
“We created chances in the first half while these guys got one chance and punished us. We however pushed and found the equalizer and managed the spaces in terms of defending in the dying minutes,” he said.
Mwayi Msungama was the match referee, he called 15 fouls against Bullets and 17 against Wanderers while waving off penalty shouts from both teams, the first when Yamikani Fodya challenged Gaddie Chirwa and another when Thole challenged Kajoke.
Bullets remain number 1 on the log table with 54 points from 25 games while Wanderers is second with 54 points from 28 games played.
