FOMO’s future in the TNM Super League now hangs by a thread, with their relegation risk intensifying following a 2-0 home defeat to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Mulanje Park Stadium on Sunday.
The match began with both teams showing strong defensive performances, although FOMO’s Hassan Luwembe had an early chance in the 10th minute, which resulted in a corner cleared by Gomezgani Chirwa.
In the 17th minute, Babatunde Adepoju gave Nyasa Big Bullets the lead with a well-executed header from a Yamikani Mologeni cross.
At the start of the second half, Wongani Lungu replaced Ephraim Kondowe for Nyasa Big Bullets.
In the 60th minute, Bullets were awarded a penalty after a handball incident. Babatunde stepped up to convert and doubled the lead, earning him the man of the match accolade.
Despite a couple of promising set pieces in the 74th and 80th minutes, FOMO failed to capitalise on the opportunities.
In the 86th minute, Stanley Billiat almost extended Bullets’ lead to 3-0, but his effort struck the crossbar, denying him a goal.
The final moments saw FOMO push for a late equaliser with a freekick in the 90th minute, but Nickson Nyasulu cleared the ball to preserve the visitors’ clean sheet.
FOMO, currently in 14th place with 25 points from 28 games, now must hope that Bangwe All Stars, in 13th place with 27 points from 29 games, continue losing after their 2-0 defeat to Karonga United. They will also be relying on Chitipa United, in 15th place with 23 points, to drop points in their remaining fixtures.
Despite the difficult position, FOMO’s coach, Elvis Kafoteka, remains optimistic about survival.
“We have to take one game at a time. We have Silver Strikers next, and if we win that one, we are safe,” Kafoteka said.
In response to the game, Bullets’ assistant coach, Heston Munthali, praised his players for performing well, recognising the importance of securing the three points.
“We kept possession and made transitions from the back, which resulted in a goal in the first half. But towards the end of the first-half, we saw that this approach wasn’t as effective and switched to a 4-3-3 formation on the break, which allowed us to create many more chances and a goal,” Munthali said.
The top four of the TNM Super League is as follows: Champions-elect Silver Strikers lead the table with 64 points, followed by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers with 54 points and Nyasa Big Bullets in third with 49 points from 28 games. Mzuzu City Hammers sit fourth with 45 points.
In other matches, Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos and Mzuzu City Hammers played to a 0-0 draw.
League action will return on Wednesday.
