Mafco scored a late equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw against defending champions, Nyasa Big Bullets, in a TNM Super League first round match at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota District on Sunday.
Bullets remain fourth with six points from four games, whereas Be Forward Wanderers dropped by two steps to fifth with similar points. Sixth-place Mafco also have six points. League leaders Eagles opened a six-point gap on 15 points ahead of second-positioned Mzuni.
The People’s Team was just two minutes away from victory, but Paul Phiri stepped up to score a late penalty after Miracle Gabeya brought down Richard Mbulu in the box.
Bullets players and fans left Chitowe Stadium in silence. No wonder, Gabeya, George Nyirenda and Enerst Kakhobwe shed tears after the final whistle.
For Mafco, a single point was enough for them after a slow start to the season.
In a game of two penalties, Chiukepo Msowoya scored the opener for Bullets after 38 minutes from the dreaded spot when Yohane Malunga handled the ball.
Mafco had numerous chances in the first half, but Bullets ‘keeper Kakhobwe had a good game, denying the soldiers.
The two sides went for recess with Bullets leading 1-0. After pep-talk, Mafco continued to pile the pressure on Bullets and they grabbed the equaliser through Phiri, who fired a low shot past Bullets defenders to beat Kakhobwe.
However, Msowoya restored Bullets lead with 10 minutes left to complete his brace, but Phiri broke the hearts of Bullets family with a late penalty.
Interestingly, Msowoya and Phiri each hammered a brace, including each goal from the penalty spot.
Bullets Coach, Franco Ndawa, was dejected, but as usual, praised his charges.
Mafco Coach, Thomas Maloya, congratulated his players for displaying a fighting spirit.
At Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe, high-flying Eagles thrashed Red Lions 3-0 to maintain their lead at the top of the league.
Eagles are unbeaten this season with 15 points Maxwell Salambula, Gilbert Chirwa and Enock Likoswe were on target for the leaders.
In other games played yesterday, Kamuzu Barracks chalked their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Wizards FC at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
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