BB up to 2nd

Nyasa Big Bullets cut the gap with TNM Super League leaders Kamuzu Barracks  to a single point after limping to a 0-1 victory over Epac United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday.

A second half goal from Muhammad Sulumba, who lost his father a few days ago, was the only difference between a team that is chasing the title and another trying to stay clear of relegation danger.

Bullets, with three games to play, lie second with 51 points level with Blue Eagles who are third thanks to their dismal goal difference.

Epac, coming from a similar loss to Red Lions last weekend, needed a victory to ease away from relegation concerns.  They pressed Bullets and kept the People’s Team at bay for longer spells in the early stages.

The front pair of Mussa Manyenje and Sulumba was starved of quality balls as the hosts dominated the midfield and kept Bullets fans,  who came in large numbers, quite.

However,  Bullets improved in the second half with Fischer Kondowe and Dalitso Sailesi coming to life with sparks of energetic runs.

The dominance paid dividends in the 50th minute as Sulumba was released from the left and he released a hard low shot which goalkeeper Masa Ngozo did not come close to saving.

Epac responded with a few attacks as they chased the game and Ernest Kakhobwe had to be extremely alert to tip over a Francis Nkonda  30 metre volley.

On the other end, Pilirani Zonda hit the woodwork from a freekick while Anzeru Joseph, a twinkling star on Bullets side, had his shot miraculously parried away by Ngozo to mark an action packed end to the match.

Bullets team manager Rahim Ishmael  said the victory was important as it kept their title defence mission alive.

He also praised Sulumba for being brave enough to play when he had just lost his father.

Epac coach Audlow Makonyola said the loss was painful considering that it came on the back of another loss.

Epac is placed 11th having raked in 34 points and need at least a win from their remaining two matches to be utterly safe.

At Mzuzu Stadium, Silver Strikers edged Moyale Barracks 1-0 to keep their title hopes on the boil.

Binwell Katinji scored the lone goal from a penalty awarded after a Moyale defender had handled in the 18-yard box.

The Bankers are fourth with 50 points from 27 games.

At Chitowe ground in Dwangwa,  Nkhotakota Mafco were held to a goalless draw by PremierBet Wizards.

Mafco are fifth with 47 points nfrom 27 matches.n