BB Kings of Charity
Though maintaining the squad that played second-fiddle to champions Kamuzu Barracks last season, Nyasa Big Bullets yesterday put up some fluid football in the Chifundo Charity Shield played at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe to pip the Super League champions 3-1.
With Muhammed Sulumba’s sheer energy and boldness, supported by skillful passing of the attacking midfield trio of Fischer Kondowe, Dalitso Sailesi and Mussa Manyenje, Bullets were too much for KB to contain.
Bullets’ first goal, just a minute and 40 seconds into the game, was pure sole effort from Sulumba, curling a seemingly harmless ball, from long distance, past Amadu Ali in KB goals.
The second goal was great positioning on Sulumba’s part that was created by good interchange of passes from the trio of Kondowe, Sailesi and Manyenje. Kondowe’s shot was blocked by Ali, and Sulumba was just in position to slot the ball into the net.
KB started the game without Dave Banda, Diouf Simaone and first-choice keeper Lemani Nthala. Instead, they opted for Peter Mpulula, Nashan Harazi, Chimwemwe Chisambi.
However, before half-hour mark, KB introduced Banda for Dan Ziba and Simaone for Wonderful Timeyo. The substitutions paid dividends as the soldiers closed out Bullets.
Mustapha Salimu pulled one back through a penalty, after a foul in the 54th minute. However, Kondowe made it 3-1 in the 57th minute, heading in a Yamikani Fodya floating ball, killing the game in the process. Bullets coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan praised his charges for a job well-done.
“Transition from all departments went well. We played the ball well, especially in the wings. They were so good, our opponents could not cope,”he said.
KB coach Billy Phambala, while acknowledging defeat, said it was just part of preparations ahead of the new season.
“We had a number of new players who we wanted to try ahead of the new season. Bullets are a big team and we wanted the new players to get a feel of the pressure ,” he said.
Proceeds from the match will be used to buy donations for Kachere Rehabilitation Centre in Blantyre. Before the match, fans donated blood to Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS).
