Bullets, Nomads now level on points

FCB Nyasa Bullets are now level on 23 points with their arch-rivals Mighty Wanderers from 12 games apiece following the People’s Team’s 2-0 victory over Chitipa United at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre yesterday. However, despite the win, Bullets remain fourth on the standings as the Nomads, who were held to one-all draw by Moyale Barracks FC on Saturday, are third courtesy of a superior goal difference. The two Blantyre-based giants trail leaders and 2024 champions Silver Strikers and second-placed Blue Eagles, both from Lilongwe, by two points.

In yesterday’s game, the match seemed to be headed for a draw until the last 10 minutes when Bullets struck twice. Bullets broke the deadlock in the 81st minute through a penalty awarded after a Chitipa United defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and up stepped Blessings Mpokera to convert the spot-kick. Hardly had the dust settled down when Bullets doubled their lead a minute later through striker Clever Kalambo who was set up by Wongani Lungu.

It was a relief for the red brigade also known as Mapalestina and frustration for the Basongo, who held on to their nerve for the better part of the game only to lose the plot in the last 10 minutes. Bullets expatriate coach Wedson Nyirenda said the result was not a true reflection of the match, stating that they dominated the match and the margin could have been more. He said: “On a normal day, it could have been eight or nine [goals], but we should give credit to our opponents’ defence, they were well organised and they were also dangerous in counter-attack.

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“But we were on our toes, the only thing we didn’t fo was to bury the chances we created.” His Chitipa United counterpart blamed the loss on stage fright on the part of his charges. “The 12th player plays a big role, the boys were affected by the atmosphere, understandably so because they are young. Otherwise, for the better part of the match, they did well,” he said.

In other matches, Masters FC edged Civil Service United 1-0 via Philemon Ndhlovu’s strike at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe to move a place up to fifth. They now have 20 points. Malawi Defence Force sides Red Lions of Zomba and Lilongwe-based Kamuzu Barracks played out a goalless draw at Zomba Stadium.

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