By Gomezgani Zakazaka,

The first Blantyre derby at Kamuzu Stadium in two years produced sparks but with no winner as Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers settled for a one-all draw.

Wanderers had an upper hand in the first-half with their play-maker winger Yamikani Chester, who was named man-of-the-match, pulling the strings.

The Nomads dominated in the midfield battle. Alfred manyozo Jnr, Joseph Kamwendo and Mike Kaziputa dominated Bullets midfielders Henry Kabichi, Nelson Kangunje and Macfarlen Mgwira.

The Nomads scored first in the 20th minute.  They won a free-kick near the corner flag in the 19th minute after a foul on Chester.

Their set-pieces expert Joseph Kamwendo whipped it in and picked  unmarked veteran striker Esau Kanyenda whose bullet header ‘keeper Rabson Chiyenda could not keep out.

After the recess, Bullets upped their game. They started playing their traditional 3-4-3 formation after pulling out defending midfielder Bashir Maunde and introduced Bright Munthali just before half-time.

Now playing with three striker—Chiukepo Msowoya, Patrick Phiri and Munthali—Bullets were in driving seat.

They piled more pressure on Wanderers in search for an equaliser and levelled in the 75th minute through veteran winger Fischer Kondowe.

Mgwira provided the assist after his cross eluded Wanderers defence of PeterCholopi, Bongani Kaipa, Denis Chembezi and Stanley Sanudi, for Kondowe to volley home.

Chester almost restored Wanderers lead but his shot hit the cross bar before it was cleared to safety.

Bullets team manager James Chilapondwa thanked the players for their second-half performance.

“The players were told to do their job and they responded positively. Otherwise, Wanders almost finished us in the first-half,” he said.

Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira said a draw was a fair result.

Bullets still lead with 46 points while Wanderers are second with 39 points.

Silver Strikers, who also drew 0-0 against Mafco at Chitowe, are third with 38 points.

Wanderers Starting XI

Nenani Juwaya , Peter Cholopi, Bongani Kaipa, Alfred Manyozo (C), Denis Chembezi, Stanley Sanudi., Mike Kaziputa,Joseph Kamwendo, Yamikani Chester ,Zicco Mkanda, Esau Kanyenda

Bullets Starting XI

Rabson Chiyenda, John Lanjesi (C), Sankhani Mkandawire, Yamikan Fodya, Fischer Kondowe
Bashir Maunde, Henry Kabichi, Nelson Kangunje, Macfarlen Mgwira, Chiukepo Msowoya, Patrick Phiri