Bullets meet their match
When Silver Strikers announced their withdrawal from the Fisd Challenge Cup, it was as if they were not interested in the competition. Come yesterday, the way they outfought Nyasa Big Bullets at the impenetrable Kamuzu Stadium, painted a different picture.
The intimidating multitude that flocked to the stadium to cheer the People’s Team in the mid-week round of 16 encounter did not scare the Bankers who triumphed 1-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The Bankers’ zonal defending was superb, their pass-and-support style pure. When they attacked, Bullets supporters had the hair on the back of their neck standing.
But this was not a victory on a silver platter—it was a carefully planned and executed game plan.
Coach Young Chimodzi said he knew Bullets’ system like the back of his hand.
“We pressurised them at all times. We were first on the ball. We did not give them space to play because we knew if you give them [Bullets] space, they can out-play you,” he said.
Chimodzi’s back four of Mike Roberts, Mike Ntonya, Chisomo Mpachika and captain Lucky Malata, kept at bay attacking trio of Chiukepo Msowoya, Mussa Manyenje and Luka Milanzi.
Such an impenetrable fortress denied Bullets a short on target the entire match.
In midfield, Chimodzi unleashed flying wingers Thuso Paipi and Duncan Nyoni who kept Bullets shaky defence of Emmanuel Zoya, Maneno Nyoni and Chikumbutso Kanyenda on their toes.
Bullets central midfield of Tilekeleni Joseph and Kondwani Kumwenda was the only thing that ticked for Bullets, but wingers Yamikani Fodya and Macfarlane Mgwira were out-played.
Frustration took the toll on Bullets’ flat-footed defence towards the end of the match as they allowed substitute Blessings Tembo a free-header from Nyoni’s cross beating Chimwemwe Kumkwawa in goals.
This was Bullets’ first home defeat in all competitions in 2016 season.
The celebrations from Silver players were hysterical, prompting Bullets team manager Rahim Ishmael to warn the Bankers that the war was not over as they meet again Sunday in Lilongwe in the Super League.
“I see them celebrating like they have won the cup,” he said.
Ishmael had to be reminded that there are no second chances in a cup game.
In Lilongwe, Blue Eagles progressed to the quarter-finals after a 1-0 victory over Civo United at Nankhaka Stadium.
Be Forward Wanderers had an easy 5-0 stroll against Lake Valley FC at Civo Stadium. n
