FCB Nyasa Big Bullets clinched a seventh Super League title in nine seasons today after a 1-1 draw with Silver Strikers who were the closest league contenders.
Before kick-off the Bankers were looking for nothing short of a 4-0 win over Bullets that could have lifted them top on goal difference after tying up on 59 points.
But despite having a huge task, the Bankers were the first to concede as Patrick Mwaungulu gave Bullets lead 13 minutes into the second half before Patrick Macheso’s equalizer on 71st minute to force a 1-1 draw.
Although it went down to the wire, this one came without any of the anguish of 10 years ago when Bullets hopes of ending 8-year League drought were dented by Silver Strikers who relied on goal difference to win the league after a 58 points tie.
The Peoples Team succeeded on their mission a season later, when they secured first championship crown in 10 years – with Mswazirimo Ramadhan as a manager – ushered in the era of dominance enjoyed by a club transformed by the influx of investment from Nyasa Manufacturing company.
Bullets is now enjoying the steady stream of titles it once had in early 2000s.
The teams entered the final round on Sunday with Bullets four points ahead of their rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and with Silver Strikers the greater threat to Pasuwa’s side, sitting just three points behind. In the last nine seasons, the only time Bullets didnt win the trophy was when Kamuzu Barracks and Wanderers won it in 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Away from Kamuzu Stadium, the last-day relegation drama took a centre stage as Moyale Barracks emerged from a nerve-shredding afternoon with their Super League status intact thanks to a 7-0 victory over relegated side Red Lions at Mzuzu Stadium.
The Kaning’ina Soldiers stay in the top flight was in peril at 70 minutes when they were leading 5-0 courtesy of Gastin Simkonda hatrick, and a goal each from Raphael Phiri as well as George Nyirenda and the 2021 runners up Blue Eagles were ahead on goal difference despite trailing 1-0 against MAFCO FC.
Other relegation threatened sides, Civo Service United and Ekwendeni Hammers were at that time also leading against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar respectively.
That combination of results meant Moyale Barracks were in the relegation zone but Simkonda and Phiri added a goal each to their names earned Moyale the 7-0 victory they required.
With Blue Eagles trailing 2-1 and that game over, Moyale Barracks fans then had to bite their fingernails pray that the Eagles should not force a draw at their backyard.
The final whistle at Nankhaka prompted wild celebrations at Mzuzu Stadium as it ensured Moyale Barracks survival while at Nankhaka there was sad faces all over.
Ekwendeni Hammers were another side that avoided relegation from TNM Super League by the skin of it’s teeth on Sunday, earning a hard fought 2-1 win over Dedza Dynamos at Rumphi Stadium.
The outlook was bleak for the Hammers midway in the first half after Raphael Phiri gave Moyale Barracks the lead against Red Lions, vaulting the Soldiers above Ekwendeni Hammers and out of the relegation zone.
However, goals from Isaiah Nyirenda and Blessings Singini clinched three of the most important points in Ekwendeni’s history to maintain its Super League status and condemn Blue Eagles to the second tier league.
Clement Nyondo scored a consolation from the spot in stoppage time to finish as Top goal scorers with 16 goals, two ahead of second placed Lanjesi Nkhoma.
Civil Service United who were also battling for the survival, beat Mighty Mukuru Wanderers courtesy of Binwell Katinji’s first minute strike.
The win not only helped the Servants to survive, but lifted them to Top 8 place where they earned Airtel Top 8 place after dislodging Karonga United.
The Servants have to thanks Bangwe All Stars who beat Karonga United 3-0 with goals Friday Osiege, Kondwani Chilembwe and an own goal from Erick Atsigah, to move eighth on goal difference after tying up on 37 points.
In other matches, relegated side Extreme FC gave away one goal lead to suffer a 2-1 defeat against Chitipa United.
Justice Honde gave Extreme an early lead but Ramadan Mtafu and Jack Beza came late to guide Chitipa United into first ever top four finish.
At Dedza Stadium, Kamuzu Barracks and Mighty Tigers played out a goaless draw.
KB finished fifth with 46 points while Tigers 11th with 36 points.
