Red Lions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Share Points in a 1-1 Draw at Balaka Stadium
Both teams aimed for three crucial points, with Red Lions fighting relegation in the 15th position with 28 points, while Bullets sought to widen the gap at the top.
BALAKA, November 8, 2023 — In an intense midweek TNM Super League fixture, Red Lions and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets played to a 1-1 draw at Balaka Stadium on Wednesday, writes Happy Valirani.
Both teams aimed for three crucial points, with Red Lions fighting relegation in the 15th position with 28 points, while Bullets sought to widen the gap at the top.
Patrick Mwawungulu of Bullets broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, putting his team in the lead. However, Deus Mkutu responded for Red Lions, leveling the scores on the 74th minute.
Despite both teams missing scoring opportunities, the 1-1 scoreline held until the final whistle.
Yamikani Fodya of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets was voted the Man of the Match.
With 55 points from 26 games, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets maintains a one-point lead over second-placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and holds two games in hand.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets assistant coach, Heston Munthali, acknowledged the challenge posed by Red Lions and pointed out the impact of the bumpy pitch on their performance: "It was a tough game, playing against a team fighting relegation. We wanted three points, but that didn't happen. Injuries and fatigue have affected us. We'll regroup and prepare for the next game."
For Red Lions, a draw diminishes their chances of staying in the Super League. Coach Chifunda Masapula expressed gratitude for his team's resilience: "It was a difficult game, but we thank the boys for putting up a great fight. The battle is not over. We have to fight until the last game and see if we may remain in the top-flight league. We are meeting Moyale Barracks, another tough game, but we are hoping to be on the winning side."
In other Super League matches on Wednesday, Ekwendeni Hammers secured a 3-2 victory against Civil Service United at Rumphi Stadium, while Kamuzu Barracks triumphed over relegated Extreme FC with a 1-0 win at Civo Stadium.