Bullets bag record fifth shield

Nyasa Big Bullets yesterday underscored their status as the country’s football heavyweights after grabbing a record fifth NBS Bank Charity Shield following 1-0 victory over Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Defender Hadji Wali scored the lone goal in the 36th minute on his debut for Bullets against his former club.

Though just a charity event, both sides approached the match cautiously.

The first XI for Silver coach Dan Kabwe showed he had no time for experiments.

The Bankers had their strongest side with Flames goalkeeper Charles Thom in goals.

The Bankers also had their best back four of Nickson Mwase, Innocent Shema Maxwell Paipi and Mark Fodya.

In the midfield, veterans Tawonga Chimodzi and Blessing Tembo were thrown in with Patrick Macheso and Zebron Kalima also on duty.

Upfront, the Bankers entrusted experienced Stain Davie and Chawanangwa Kawonga.

On the contrary, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa’s first XI showed he was intent on trying fringe players and new signings.

He gave youthful goalkeeper Clever Mkungula at the expense of experienced Richard Chimbamba and Rabson Chiyenda.

His back also had Eric Kawonga, new signings Wali and promoted Kesten Simbi.

Promoted youngster Patrick Mwaungulu, Lanjesi Nkhoma and Misheck Seleman also started.

However, Pasuwa balanced the team with experienced captain Chimwemwe Idana, Henry Kabichi, Babatunde Adepoju and Gomezgani Chirwa.

As expected, Silver had an upper hand as they controlled the midfield, but failed to create tangible scoring opportunities.

Instead it was Bullets who had two set pieces from Mwaungulu saved by impressive Thom.

But in the 36th minute Thom went into slumber and allowed Wali to head in from a corner kick from Mwaungulu.

Second half saw Silver playing a pressing game and almost got an equaliser from Tembo set piece and a near post shot from Kawonga which Nkungula kept out.

As the match wore on it was evident that both sides were rusty from preseason and the match had helped display their weaknesses.

In a post-match match interview, Silver assistant coach McDonald Yobe said there was poor transition from midfield into the final third.

“Our play was good. But though we played well we did not create any good chances,” he said.

His counterpart Peter Mponda said he was not satisfied with the performance, despite the youngsters showing their hunger for action.

He said: “I cannot say this was our best performance. But we were trying some new combination and so I am not disappointed. The most important thing is we have given the supporters the victory they wanted.”

The triumph means Bullets have won all five Charity Shields since 2016.