BB hit six past Escom, KB dismiss Civo

Big Bullets and Kamuzu Barracks are through to the Presidential Cup round of 16 after seeing off Escom United and Civo United respectively on Wednesday.

Divason Mlozi’s hat-trick Wednesday was the centrepiece of Big Bullets’ 6-0 comprehensive demolition of Escom United at Kamuzu Stadium while Civo were booted out of the competition at their own backyard.

KB’s goals were scored by Victor Saidi, Joel Chipofya and Kelvin Malikebu in the sixth, 14th and 66th minutes respectively.

At kamuzu Stadium, it was defender Chikumbutso Kanyenda’s fabulous fourth goal for Bullets that stole the show.

Featuring a complete new side after losing the majority of their key players following their relegation, Escom started at full throttle with Emmanuel Kakhobwe and Rodrick Kamange orchestrating play.

But when Bullets stepped up the tempo, they did not look back.

Robust winger Fischer Kondowe turned on the magic on the right wing and was unfortunate not to open the flood gates in the sixth minute, when his powerful shot went over the bar.

Two minutes later, Kondowe made his trademark run on the right flank, before laying the ball invitingly into the path of Lawson Chilewe whose attempt was denied by the post.

Then the goals started flowing.

Mlozi struck his first goal after 10 minutes following a pass from Dalitso Sailesi.

The second goal came in bizzarre circumstances, when George Nyirenda’s freekick led to a communication breakdown between Escom goalkeeper Asani Kazembe and his defence, and Mlozi ghosted in to score.

Bullets led 2-0 at half-time. Mlozi went on to claim a hat-trick.

Then came Kanyenda’s swashbuckling goal with a long-range missile from way outside the 18-yard box, that left Kazembe gasping at thin air and the red side of town was way up in the sky, saluting a beautifully crafted goal.

Then Kabichi, who was thrown in as a substitute for Chilewe, completed the goal deluge.

Escom coach Kondwani Gawani said his charges were guilty of showing Bullets too much respect.

“Most of the players are new since we are in the process of building a team, but we will catch up,” said Gawani.

The Civil Servants finished the game with 10 men after defender Wyson Nkana was red-carded in the 78th minute for needless handling of the ball.