Bullets, Silver sharespoils in opener

 The TNM Super League opening match between Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Bullets yesterday lived up to expectation as the two sides settled for a one-all draw in a thrilling encounter at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

It was a match of two halves, with the defending champions dominating the first while the Bankers took over after the break.

The performance of both teams reflected the glamorous opening with good passing and attacking game.

Despite incessant rain the teams stuck to their respective game plans and it was beautiful with fans of both teams cheering them on with passion.

Hosts Silver were supreme in midfield with Chimwemwe Idana, Zebron Kalima and Chikondi Kamanga dictating play and causing Bullets players to panic and commit fouls.

But Silver could not utilise the advantage.

Largely, this was due to Bullets quartet of Nickson Nyasulu, Blessings Mpokera, Clyde Senaji Navade who protected their goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba.

The visitors exploited the wings to attack Silver defence using Alick Lungu on the left and Mpokela on the right.

This worked as Bullets took the lead in the 39th minute through Lanjesi Nkhoma.

Midfielder Frank Willard played a good pass to Lungu on the left wing and the Flames leftback easily shrugged off Silver defender Innocent Shema to play in a fine low cross into the box for Nkhoma to easily tap in past Charles Thom.

But just after the break, the hosts mounted a comeback and got the equaliser in the 55th minute.

Defender Nickson Mwase rose to head in a carefully curled Mark Fodya corner kick past Bullets goalkeeper Chimbamba.

Silver then stepped up their effort in search for a winning goal, but Chimbamba was outstanding for Bullets, saving his team the brushes with good saves on a couple of occasions

To avert danger, Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa made a triple substitution in the 60th minute.

Former Silver forward  Maxwell Phodo was replaced by Chinedu Okafor, Mike Mkwate for Stanley Billiat whereas Chawanangwa Gumbo was introduced to replace Patrick Mwaungulu.

The substitutions did not in any way deter the hosts offensive as they continued the onslaught on Bullets winning back-to-back cornerkicks in the 67th minute but nothing came of it

Gradually Bullets settled as the substitutes started producing.

Okafor nearly restored the vistors the lead in the 77th minute, but his shot hit the post.

The remaining minutes of the game were a balanced affair and a roller coaster with end-to-end action keeping the fans on their feet, but no further goals came.

Both coaches hailed their charges despite the draw.

Pasuwa said: “I can say it was a good game. Both teams played with intensity.

“We were playing away, and to put out such performance was impressive.”

On his part, Silver’s Pieter de Jongh said: “We are on good shape, good condition.

“It was a good performance and I am happy. I will show the game to my people in Netherlands.”

Before kick-off, the trophy was paraded in an open Land Rover with two models draped in TNM colours hoisting it.

The models then handed it over to the Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire and TNM officials on the pitch.