BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Talisman Hassan Kajoke scored a dramatic late equaliser in the 79^th minute as Nyasa Big Bullets shared the spoils of a pulsating 1-1 draw with Ntopwa FC in the Blantyre epic derby on Saturday.

The game played at the Kamuzu Stadium without supporters due to Covid-19 pandemic, saw Ntopwa FC players, who went into the pitch as underdogs, displaying fantastic football from the word go.

Bullets suffered an early blow in the first minute when goalkeeper Rabson Chiyenda was substituted for Richard Chimbamba after sustaining an injury when he saved Hendrix Misinde’s shot for a corner.

In the absence of man of the moment, Peter Banda, who is in Moldova for trials, Bullets Head Coach trusted Patrick Phiri while Ernest Petro who started last week against Kamuzu Barracks was replaced with veteran Chimango Kaira.

However, Ntopwa dominated the proceedings in the first minutes and their hardworking spirit paid them in the 14^th minute as brilliant run from Potipher Likoswe caught Miracle Gabeya snoozing in the line of defence and the forward sent a diagonal ball into the box from which Misinde connected to find the back of the net.

Ntopwa made some changes through goalkeeper Richard Mwaila and George Nyirenda who were on the bench last week when they played Karonga United at Chiwembe Stadium.

Ntopwa FC should have doubled their lead when Saizi and Likoswe combined but the latter blasted his effort over the cross bar from the close range.

Bullets suffered another injury blow when Aziz Mwakifuna twisted his leg as he tried to control the ball and he was replaced by Mike Mkwate.

The introduction of Mkwate brought some rhythm into the hosts who were now pressing for an equalizer but defenders of the visitors were equal to the task.  

Hassan Kajoke had two quick chances but he was denied by a deflection and a clearance by Chikumbutso Banda when the goalkeeper Mwaila was already beaten in the line of duty.

Meshack Selemani was the latest player to threaten Ntopwa FC but his shot went over the bar after a cross from Precious Sambani.

In the second half, the visitors opted to seat back to defend their goal. This invited more pressure from Bullets as they attacked from all cylinders in search of the much important goal.

The introduction of Zicco Mkanda and MacFallen Mgwira for Gabeya and Phiri increased Bullets’ attacking options but any move from the hosts ended up in the hands of Banda, Lloyd Mugara, Levison Chabwera and Joseph Balakasi who were defending with everything they had.

In the 69th minute, Mkanda was denied by the post in an unbelievable circumstances.

Kajoke’s header was denied by Mwaila but the ball landed straight at Mkanda who was calm before releasing a low drive shot only to be denied by the post.

However, in the 79th minute, a slip-up from Mwaila allowed Selemani to overpower Chabwera who lost possession and in turn, Kajoke capitalized by rounding off the keeper before scoring in an empty net to make it 1-1.

In the last ten minutes, Kajoke was twice denied by Charles Chisale who replaced Mwaila but Mkwate could not capitalize from the rebound as he sent his drive over the bar.

In the additional minutes, Mkanda almost snatched a late winner when a long ball from Gomezgani Chirwa found him unmarked in the six-yard box but the forward only gifted the ball to Chisale and after 90 minutes of play, 1-1 it ended.

The result sees Bullets in position eight with 12 points from seven games whilst Ntopwa FC are seventh with 14 points from nine games.

Elsewhere, Ekwendeni Hammers hammered Chitipa United 3-1at the Karonga Stadium while Civil Sporting Club and Red Lions shared the spoils after a 3-3 stalemate at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

Muhammad Sulumba and Lanken Mwale scored for the servants while Chikoti Chirwa, Ronald Pangani and Paul Kansungwi scored for the Zomba based Soldiers.

The result sees Civil Sporting Club dropping to fifth with 16 points from eight games while Red Lions are third with 18 points from nine games.