Bullets excel

Hosts FCB Nyasa Bullets yesterday came from behind to beat Red Arrows of Zambia 2-1 in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League preliminary round first leg match played at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

The win gives Bullets an advantage ahead of the return game in  two weeks-time.

Bullets missed good scoring opportunities with Babatunde Adepoju and Maxwell Phodo being the main culprits.

On three occasions, Babatunde failed to score in one-on-one situations against goalkeeper Charles Kalumba to the frustration of fans who had turned out for the match.

Seven minutes into the match, he messed up a glorious chance when he was set up by Precious Sambani.

In the 68th minute, Babatunde again squandered a good opportunity when he headed over the bar.

Phodo, on a couple of occasions, shot wide of the goal in advantageous situations much to the chagrin of the fans.

But Babatunde redeemed himself  when he equalised in the 77th minute.

Receiving a good pass from Yankho Singo he outpaced his marker to unleash a powerful shot that zoomed past Kalumba into the far corner to send fans into jubilation.

It was a well-timed equaliser considering that the visitors had scored in the 57th minute and desperation was visible among fans in the stands.

Ricky Banda gave Red Arrows the lead. Brian Chilimina was the provider with pinpoint cross. Banda, surrounded by three defenders, chested the ball down then turned towards the goal and shot past a stretched Richard Chimbamba.

Bullets’  never-die spirit got them the winning goal in the 82nd minute  through Precious Phiri who scored from a Stanley Billiati corner-kick.

It was a deserved win considering the efforts the hosts put up, dominating the game with good passing press.

In a post-match interview, coach Kallisto Pasuwa hailed his players for showing strong mentality.

He said: “It’s not over until it’s over. That’s the spirit the players showed today a never die mentality. That’s the Bullets I know. We were down, but we didn’t give up. It’s a good win as we head for a return match. But we shouldn’t be complacent but prepare well. We had so many chances as we played with determination.”

Pasuwa’s counterpart Chisi Mudaala Mbewe said he was disappointed with the loss

He said: “It is not the result we wanted and definitely I am disappointed. After scoring that goal, we let them come back into the game. We gave them a lot of space, and did not defend well.”