Defending champions Mighty Wanderers were held to a 1-1 draw by Karonga United on Sunday at Karonga Stadium in the FDH Bank Premiership.
The result leaves Wanderers on 36 points from 18 matches, three behind leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Clement Nyondo gave Wanderers the lead in the 15th minute, heading in a cross from the left by Dalitso Nahipa and past Karonga United goalkeeper Richard Nyirenda.
That proved to be the only goal of the first half. Karonga United came close on several occasions, but centre-backs Alex Kambilinya and Rajab Nyirenda held firm.
Wanderers were content to protect their lead after the break and allowed Karonga United to press.
They were punished in the 84th minute, when Michael Mwalilino equalised with a free kick struck low from outside the penalty area, which drifted under the defensive wall and past the Wanderers defenders.
There was not enough time for the visitors to find a winner.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira accepted the result.
“We wanted to win this match but it hasn’t worked that way. We accept this result and move on,” he said.
He added that his side did not play their usual game in the second half and struggled with the long balls their opponents played.
Karonga United coach Chris Chinkwita said his team had wanted to win but felt some refereeing decisions went against them.
“The one point we have gotten today is still important as we continue to move up to a safer position on the log table,” he said.
Karonga United remain 13th in the 16-team table with 18 points from 18 matches.
Elsewhere, Goshen City Dedza Dynamos and Moyale Barracks drew 1-1 at Dedza Stadium, while Creck Sporting Club beat Red Lions 1-0 at Civo Stadium.
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