The 75th edition of the Blantyre Derby ended in a pulsating 1 all draw, electrifying the football fraternity.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers engaged in a fierce battle, with the home side conjuring a hard-fought stalemate at Kamuzu Stadium.
Both teams made tactical tweaks, with the home side entrusting Innocent Nyasulu in goal and Chrispin Mapemba at left back.
The Nomads benched Clement Nyondo, unleashing Isaac Kaliati, who scored a breathtaking 21st-minute goal.
In a thrilling match, both teams made strategic changes. The home side made a goalkeeping switch, trusting the experienced Innocent Nyasulu, who returned from injury, to replace Richard Chambamba.
The People’s team also blooded new left back Chrispin Mapemba, who replaced the team’s captain Precious Sambani, who missed out on the action.
The Nomads surprisingly benched last season’s top marksman Clement Nyondo, starting Isaac Kaliati, who had been warming the bench in previous assignments. This bold move paid off as the away team struck first in the opening period through Isaac Kaliati’s stunning 21st-minute goal, expertly finishing a precision pass from Gaddie Chirwa.
The home side’s swift substitutions in the second half threw the Nomads’ rhythm off kilter, allowing FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to level the score through Patrick Mwaungulu’s clinical strike in the 48th minute, courtesy of a pinpoint pass from Babatunde Adepoju, who was introduced alongside Ronald Chitiyo. Despite their valiant efforts, the Lali Lubani side failed to pierce the Bullet’s defense, with Kumwembe spurning multiple chances.
In the post-match interview, Bullets coach Calisto Pasuwa acknowledged his team’s first-half struggles, citing their inability to match their opponents’ intensity and dominance on the ball.
“We squandered scoring opportunities, and our attacking play was hindered by the pressure our forwards faced,” Pasuwa reflected.
Nomads assistant coach Meke Mwase admitted that his team’s momentum was disrupted by the home side’s substitutions, which changed the dynamics of the game.
“We struggled to find our rhythm in the second half, and our finishing was lacking the usual composure and timing, costing us dearly,” Mwase lamented.
The result sees the Nomads clinging to third place on the TNM Log table with 9 points, separated from Big Bullets by a slender goal difference.
