The Eighth Mzuzu Derby ended in a barren stalemate as Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu City Hammers shared spoils at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday in a scintillating match.
In a game where minimal chances were created, a fifth consecutive draw was recorded. Moyale Barracks missed the change of leapfrogging their brothers in arms, Kamuzu Barracks who are 6th with 34 points as the Lions of Kaning’ina remain 7th with 33 points from 24 games.
Mzuzu City Hammers have been dragged back to position 4 as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets climbed up to third following their 2-1 win over their neighbors, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, they are level on points. Hammers have collected 40 points from 25 games and Bullets have collected the same number of points from 23 games.
Moyale Barracks will welcome Baka City at home before travelling to Blantyre to face Mighty Waka Waka Tigers. Mzuzu City Hammers are taking on Silver Strikers before playing against Chitipa United at Karonga Stadium.
How the game unfolded? After winning two games from their last four games, Mzuzu City Hammers were eager to continue with their good form and record their first ever win over their neighbors, Moyale Barracks Football Club.
The draw leaves Moyale Barracks with just one win from their last six games. Off the back of a drubbing 3-1 win over Friends of Mulanje Orphans, FOMO Football, Moyale Barracks hoped to get the win and climb up the table, however, they maintained their unbeaten run at home to 12 games.
Olise Nkwazi had to be at his very best to deny Hammers from taking early leads as Isaiah Nyirenda registered an early attempt before Erik Kaonga’s effort failed to beat the keeper.
Derby never falls short of events, Black Alisen and Chinonso Promise were booked just 16 minutes into the game after protesting against the referee’s decision.
After starting the game on back-foot, Moyale Barracks slowly upped their game and they were on level with their visitors, the performance which allowed Charles Nkhoma to have a good opportunity to score but his longing effort flew over the bar. Black Alisen rifled wide from free-kick.
Prichard Mwansa made double changes early in the second half as Boniface Chiuma and Innocent Botoman replaced Mphatso Katsonga and Clifford Chimlambe, Charles Nkhoma was withdrawn for Jimmy Viyuyu while for Hammers brought in Brian Phiri and Gregory Mwanse replace Isaiah Msiska and Ackim Abiyoye.
Moyale Barracks enjoyed the possession towards the end of the game but it was Hammers who had the chance to score only for Isaiah Nyirenda’s effort to be blocked by the defenders.
Moyale Barracks had a big opportunity on the day with just seven minutes before the final whistle when referee, Meluce Nyirongo awarded them with a penalty, however, Captain, Black Alisen missed from 12-yards. The points were deservedly shared between the two teams.
