Bullets, Blue Eagles in grudge game
When you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging two graves: one for your enemy, and the other for yourself, so they say.
But Nyasa Big Bullets, who are bent on avenging their first loss to the Lilongwe-based outfit, are not thinking of any drawback as they host high-flying Blue Eagles this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium.
On that fateful day at Nankhaka, Bullets thought they were on their way to another victory when midfielder Peter Banda gave them the lead in the 27th minute.
But Eagles captain Micium Mhone struck in the 44th minute to equalise before a death-wish blunder saw Bullets defender Sankhani Mkandawire conceding an own-goal.
As the two sides clash in the second round at Bullets backyard, fireworks are expected.
Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa recalled how they let Eagles come back into the game after taking the lead in the previous match.
“It’s not a team you can underrate. Any slight mistake you get punished. I remember the last time we played them we dominated but just in two or three counterattacks they scored.. This time around we don’t need to repeat the mistakes,” he said.
With most of the players who had injuries back in training, there will be no excuse for Pasuwa who is spoilt for choice.
“We only have two players on the injured list—Precious Sambani and John Lanjesi. All the other players are back in training and available for selection. I think we have a full squad with a wide range of selection of players who can contribute to all phases of play,” said Pasuwa.
Playing in front of thousands of Bullets supporters, who never disappoint on match-day, the coach hopes to utilise home ground advantage.
“We know what we are expected to do. We are playing at home. This time around we will play build-up, we will play counter attack football; we will also play fast-break attack football so that we score and don’t open up spaces,” he said.
While Pasuwa was open on his strategy, his counterpart DeKlerk Msakakuona, was a man of a few words as usual.
Coming from a 2-1 loss to relegation-bound Masters Security in a midweek game just days after beating Silver 4-0 in Fisd Challenge Cup semis, Msakakuona said they had put behind the two games.
“That’s what football is like, you win, lose or draw. But we are past that game and we are looking forward to the future. Our plan is to collect maximum points and increase our chances of doing well in the league,” he said.
Msakakuona also downplayed Eagles 2-1 victory over Bullets in the first round, saying this does not give them an upper-hand.
As leaders Bullets are fighting for survival at the top, rivals Be Forward Wanderers face unpredictable Dwangwa United in a tricky away fixture at Chitowe.
With just a point separating Bullets and Wanderers, the Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira said they will aim at nothing, but victory to keep the pressure on the leaders.
Meanwhile, Ntopwa FC beat Blues Eagles 3-1, Civo 1-1 and Karonga United 2 Mlatho Mponela 2.
