Defending champions Mighty Wanderers needed a late Promise Kamwendo’s equaliser to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw against Ekhaya FC at the Mpira Stadium on Saturday.
Ekhaya took the game to the league leaders from the opening whistle, controlling possession, creating the better chances and showing little sign of intimidation against one of the title favourites. Their enterprising approach was rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Blessings Malinda found the breakthrough to give the visitors a deserved lead heading into the break.
The Cowboys took the lead in the stoppage time in the first half after a dominant display that saw the Nomads play second fiddle to the Enos Chatama Side.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Ekhaya continuing to threaten and looking the more likely side to add to their tally.
Wanderers struggled to impose themselves for long spells and were kept at bay by a disciplined Ekhaya defence.
However, football can be cruel. Just when Ekhaya appeared set to secure a statement victory, substitute Promise Kamwendo struck in the first minute of added time to rescue a point for the Nomads and break the hearts of the visitors.
While the result extended Wanderers’ stay at the top of the table, it was Ekhaya who left Mpira Stadium with plenty of plaudits after a performance that suggested they are more than capable of competing with the league’s established sides.
Elsewhere, MAFCO FC produced a clinical display to defeat GC Dedza Dynamos 3-0 at Chitowe Stadium.
Zikani Sichinga opened the scoring in first-half added time before Blessings Mofolo netted twice in the second half to seal an emphatic victory for the Soldiers.
At Civo Stadium, Silver Strikers were held to a 1-1 draw by Civil Service United. Righteous Banda gave the hosts an early lead before Charles Chipala equalised for the Bankers in the second half.
The results leave Mighty Wanderers on top of the FDH Bank Premiership standings with 14 points, level with Silver Strikers but ahead on goal difference. Blue Eagles remain just one point behind with a game in hand, ensuring the race for top spot remains finely poised.
