Bullets stay top
It was not a sumptuous display you would expect from champions, but Big Bullets just got the 2015 TNM Super League business done; blasting 10-man Azam Tigers 2-1 at Kamuzu Stadium yesterday to stay top.
Striker Mussa Manyenje netted in added time of the first-half, then Jaffalie Chande cushioned the scoreline with a second goal a minute after re-start.
The two goals rendered Tigers striker Peter Katsonga’s goal four minutes later, a consolation.
Bullets’ disjointed performance, certainly due to absence of inspirational captain Fischer Kondowe and in-form left back Yamikani Fodya who are on Flames’ assignment in Egypt, was summed up by three shots on target, six off it while earning 19 free-kicks.
Not that Bullets were dominant, but a combination of man-of-the match Chiukepo Msowoya’s experience as a creator and the Tigers’ numerical disadvantage, after referee John Phiri red-carded Tigers defender Henry Machira on the 31st minute following a tangle with Dalitso Sailesi, decided the game.
For the opener, Msowoya set clear Manyenje, who skipped John Dzimbiri’s tackle before placing his shot past goalkeeper Nenani Juwaya. The half-time whistle found Tigers with no shot on target. And the KauKau should have been punished further had Sankhani Mkandawire’s bullet not danced off the bar. Henry Kabichi also narrowly dragged his low effort wide.
After break, Msowoya expertly crossed the ball from the right for Chande to arrive at the far end and head into the net unchallenged. The goal should have killed off the game.
Instead, it gave Tigers the impetus to attack. Two slick direct passes landed onto the path of Katsonga who drilled his bouncing shot into the net. Bullets goalkeeper Owen Chaima reacted too late. He was beaten by an angled low shot.
In Nchalo, Coach-less Surestream FC finally registered their first win. Surestream beat fellow rookies Mzuni 2-0 through Benard Chimaimba and Martin Phiri’s goals.
In Lilongwe, Kamuzu Barracks (KB) reigned supreme at Civo Stadium to beat hosts Epac FC 5-3 in an entertaining encounter.
The loss completed Epac’s miserable week that saw the club’s management fire head coach Leo Mpulula.
Harvey Mkacha scored a brace while Kelvin Malikebu made it three as Epac replied through Duncan to make it 3-2 before recess.
Came the second-half, Dave Banda added the fourth an Epac‘s own goal made it 5 to KB.
KB coach Temwa Msuku was all delight after the final whistle.
“We controlled the game and deserved to win,” said Msuku.
In Dedza, Silver Strikers beat Young Soccer Stars 4-0.
