Frank Mojah Dzuwa
League leaders Mighty Wanderers have dropped points after failing to open a five—point gap at the top of the TNM Super League, following a 2-2 draw at Bingu National Stadium against Silver Strikers on Saturday afternoon.
The result means the two teams have now drawn both league meetings this season, having also tied 1-1 in the first round at Kamuzu Stadium.
Dropping points means that Wanderers rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will have an upper hand tomorrow to go top with a point if they beat Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium.
How the match unfolded
Defender Peter Cholopi opened the scoring for Wanderers in the fourth minute of the first half before Silver Strikers equalised through Binwell Katinji in the 34th minute, ending the opening half at 1-1.
Wanderers restored their lead in the 48th minute through Muhammed Sulumba, but Silver Strikers responded quickly once again as Katinji completed his brace, converting a penalty spot to force a 2-2 draw.
Wanderers head coach Bob Mpinganjira said he was calm despite the draw saying that the team still has several matches to play.
“There is no pressure at all. We have got eight games to go, we just have to manage them well and see that we do well to have maximum points,” he said.
Silver Strikers assistant coach Mapopa Msukwa said his side was punished for failing to defend set pieces.
“They have managed to use set pieces; in normal play it was balanced. They are lucky they converted through set piece, but it was good,” said Msukwa.
Wanderers remain unbeaten in the league and stay on top with 52 points from 22 matches. Bullets is second with 50 points from the same number of games while Silver Strikers sit third with 41 points from 21 matches.
In another match played on Saturday, Ekhaya FC defeated Chitipa United 3-0 at Mpira Stadium.
Lineups
Silver Strikers: George Chikooka, Chikondi Kamanga, McDonald Lameck, Innocent Shema, Nickson Mwase, Binwell Katinji, Levison Maganizo, Uchizi Vunga, Daniel Sandukira, Zebron Kalima, Ernest Petro
Mighty Wanderers: Dalitso Nkhungwa, Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi, Timothy Silwimba, Blessings Singini, Adam Wallace, Isaac Kaliati, Clement Nyondo, Daniel Kudonto, Muhammad Sulumba, Felix Zulu
