Drama at Kamuzu Stadium: Bullets' Title Challenge Halted by Late Karonga United Comeback
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets' title challenge took a hit on Sunday afternoon as they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium. Despite controlling much of the contest and leading 3-1 late in the game, Peter Mponda's side failed to hold on to all three points, missing the chance to overtake Mighty Wanderers at the top of the TNM Super League table.
Bullets went into the game aiming to maintain momentum after back-to-back away wins over Mzuzu City Hammers and Mafco FC. But the visitors, who had lost their previous two matches, came out firing, testing Bullets' defense with a dangerous free kick in the 4th minute. Bullets goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu was up to the challenge, making a spectacular save.
The hosts struck first in the 6th minute when a Peter Banda set-piece was met by Blessings Mpokera, who finished smartly from close range to make it 1-0. But the lead was short-lived as, just five minutes later, Benjamin Mapunda's deflected effort wrong-footed Nyasulu for 1-1.
Bullets hit back almost instantly as Banda combined with Paul Master and Mike Mkwate, whose calm finish restored the advantage at 2-1. The hosts kept pushing, with Willard forcing a fine save in the 18th minute and Kondowe going close twice before half-time. Nyasulu denied Allen Chihana at the other end.
At halftime, Mponda made a double change, introducing Babatunde Adepoju and Yankho Singo. Bullets remained on the front foot, with Master and Lungu both narrowly missing the target. In the 62nd minute, Maxwell Phodo came on for Banda, and the third goal finally arrived in the 71st when Chikumbutso Salima's cross struck a Karonga hand in the box, and Babatunde calmly converted the penalty for 3-1.
But the visitors refused to fade. Chihana's deflected shot made it 3-2 in the 77th minute, before Alfred Chizinga's free kick levelled the score in the 84th. Bullets pushed for a winner, with Master's late shot blocked, but Karonga held on for a point.
The draw leaves Bullets second in the TNM Super League table with 34 points, one behind leaders Mighty Wanderers, who also dropped points in a 0-0 draw with Civil Service United. The focus now shifts to cup competition, with Bullets traveling to the North next weekend to face Chilumba Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup Round of 32.
Bullets' title hopes took a hit in the dramatic draw, but they will be looking to bounce back strongly in their next league game against Epac FC on March 5.
Meanwhile, Karonga United will be delighted with the point they earned against the title favorites. They next face Mzuzu City Rovers on March 5.
Follow Bullets and Karonga United's progress in the TNM Super League and FDH Bank Cup on Facebook.
Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets drew 3-3 with Karonga United in a thrilling match at Kamuzu Stadium, despite leading 3-1 late in the game. The result means Bullets remain second in the TNM Super League table, one point behind leaders Mighty Wanderers. The draw came after back-to-back away wins for Bullets, and they will now focus on their upcoming FDH Bank Cup match against Chilumba Barracks. Key moments in the match included early chances for both teams, with Bullets taking the lead through Blessings Mpokera's finish in the 6th minute. Karonga United equalized in the 11th minute, and Bullets restored their lead through Peter Banda's finish in the 16th minute. The visitors staged a late comeback, with two goals in the final 15 minutes of the game to secure a draw.
