The TNM Super League rolled into action yesterday with FCB Nyasa Bullets messing up Silver Strikers’ title defence as they snatched three points from the Bankers following a 1-0 victory at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The match lived up to its hype as both teams put up exciting performances.
Bullets had great control of the first-half and created more chances.
But it took them 30 minutes to get past Silver goalkeeper George Chikooka when Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoje gave Bullets the lead after a fine pass from Wongani Lungu.
Silver’s first chance fell to striker Binwell Katinji, who shot over the bar after being fed a good ball by Chinsisi Maonga
With six minutes before half-time, the hosts replaced Precious Sambani and Chinsisi Maonga with Dan Sunduka and Festus Duwe as coach Peter Mgangira sought to add rhythm.
But again after recess, it was Bullets who started strongly and felt hard done six minutes into the second-half when referee Easter Zimba disallowed Maxwell Phodo a seemingly genuine goal.
But soon after Silver started taking the game to Bullets with some great attacking football.
Macdonald Lameck came close to levelling in the 67th minute, but missed by an inch after receiving a good pass in the box from Sanduka.
Bullets held on to the slender lead to bag the crucial three points.
In post-match interview, Bullets coach Peter Mponda praised his players for a resilient performance
“The game plan was well executed by the players. To be honest It wasn’t an easy match, but the boys gave it all and we won. I must also applaud the support from the fans. It was wonderful,” he said.
Mgangira admitted it was a tough game.
“It was a difficult game, but individual mistakes cost us. We had a difficult first-half where Bullets had better performance.
“But in the second-half we came strong and had a good game. But like I said, individual mistakes cost us,” he said.
Before the game, TNM held a parade around Lilongwe, engaging with fans to hype up the launch.
