Bullets fire into Carlsberg Cup finals

Big Bullets on today sailed through to the finals of the 2014 Carlsberg Cup after they trounced their arch-rivals Mighty Wanderers in a Blantyre derby played at Civo Stadium.

The priceless goal came with three minutes into the match through striker, Jimmy Zakazaka.

Zakazaka connected home a searching cross from Mussa Manyenje, taking his tally to two goals in the Carlsberg Cup Golden Boot race.

Bullets will now meet the winners between Zomba United and defending champions Kamuzu Barracks (KB) who will rock horns on Sunday in the second semi-final game at Kamuzu Stadium.

Bullets made five chances from their last Super league game against Blue Eagles started the game on offensive note.

Bullets outplayed Wanderers more especially on the midfield. Wanderers looked disorganised from their attacking midfielders as they failed to supply power to front liners.

In the ninth minute Wanderers had their open chance from free-kick but Francis Mlimbika’s shot went over the bar.

Nomads were relentless and nearly had a goal two minute later, but Wongani Kaipa’s header went wide from their first corner kick of the game.

However, Zakazaka could have extended BB’s lead with few minutes to first half break but his header was off target.

At the dot of first half break, Wanderers were awarded a free kick but Mlimbika wasted it again for the second time.

In the second half both teams made substitution with Bullets bringing Henry Kabichi.

Wanderers made double substitutions resting Luka Milanzi and Tsanzo Dalio for Mike Kaziputa and Khumbo Ng’ambi respectively.

Wanderers took the half with positive mind taking the game to Bullets’s half in searching for an equaliser. They camped inside Bullets’ territory for 15 minutes and registered three quick corners without Bullets’ reply.

Sensing danger Bullets made second substitution throwing in Ian Chinyama for Dalitso Sailes in the 63rd minute to safeguard the lead.

Mid way the second half, Fisher Kondowe, who failed to shine in the whole game, produced his trademark free kick but Wanderers goalie Bester Phiri was alert to tame the ball.

Wanderers retaliated but goalkeeper Vincent Gona saved the situation to keep the score line at bay.

Sparrow Msowoya and Mike Kaziputa squandered the last chances for Wanderers inside the added time.

In post-Match interview Bullets coach Elia Kananji hailed his troops for the victory while his counterparts Gerald Phiri said,

“It was a good game, both teams had chances but our opponents had luck. Hope they will win the cup because beating Wanderers but failing to win the cup to will be a bad news to them, good luck to them, “said Phiri.

The game was ably handled by referee Dennis Ngulube saw Bullets James Chilaponda being voted as man of the match.