FCB Nyasa Big Bullets yesterday dislodged their arch-rivals Mighty Wanderers from the summit of the TNM Super League table following a 4-3 win over Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The People’s Team have 53 points from 23 matches, a point above the Nomads, who have played a game less.
In a match spiced up by two hat-tricks, it was not a stroll in the park for Bullets, who twice had to come from behind to level matters.
The Lilongwe-based Civil Servants took the lead eight minutes into the match through Chikaiko Batison after being set up by Righteous Banda.
Eight minutes later, Bullets drew level through winger Peter Banda’s fabulous finish after being put through by Ephraim Kondowe.
Batison claimed a brace in the 27th minute to put Civil back in front following an error by Bullets goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu.
Then Bullets drew level again in the 36th minute through Chikumbutso Salima from a rebound after Blessings Mpokera’s effort was kept out by Civil’s ‘keeper Rahaman John.
Seven minutes later, Salima, who was named Player of the Match, made it 3-2.
The visitors vehemently protested against the goal, claiming it was scored from an off-side position and in the heat of the moment, their coach Abbas Makawa was shown the red card.
Salima wasn’t done yet. He claimed a hat-trick with a beauty just inside the six-yard box after being set up by forward Babatunde Adepoju.
Not to be outshone, Civil’s Batison also completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute.
In the final frantic moments, Civil fought for an equaliser, but the 17-time champions held on to bag full points.
Bullets assistant coach Gilbert Chirwa admitted that Civil gave them a tough time.
He said: “There are never easy games in the second half, especially at this stage of the league.
“It is a crucial victory after struggling in the past three matches.”
On his part, Makawa said his charges gave it their best shot.
“The officiating personnel let us down. They have decided this match. My boys put up a grand fight, but they frustrated us,” he said.
In other matches, Moyale Barracks came from behind to beat Blue Eagles 2-1 away at Nankhaka in Lilongwe.
Luke Chima’s hat-trick saw his team Goshen City Dedza Dynamos beating table-anchors Songwe Border United 3-0 to move out of the relegation zone. They have climbed two steps to 12th with 27 points from 25 matches.
Mzuzu City Hammers and Mafco FC played out a goalless draw.
