Bullets survive Ntopwa scare
Nyasa Big Bullets survived Ntopwa FC scare in the TNM Super League as they came from behind to salvage a one-all draw at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Ntopwa threatened Bullets seven-year unbeaten home record when Hendrix Misinde scored in the 14th minute.
The result comes on the back of an impressive fairytale run of the Amagheto Kids who beat Karonga United last Sunday to keep their hopes of survival alive.
Bullets were a pale shadow of their ability as they struggled to turn the game around, especially in the first half.
The pre-match remarks of assistant coach Peter Mponda, who cautioned his charges against complacency, came to pass.
The People’s Team relied on individual brilliance of last season’s top goal scorer Hassan Kajoke who scored the equaliser.
They failed to reproduce last week’s result in which they conquered Kamuzu Barracks 5-2.
In a post-match interview, Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa admitted that his charges did not tick.
“We started slow and we were chasing them. In the second we were offensive, attacked more and created many chances from which we should have scored more goals,” he said.
Ntopwa owner and technical director Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman, who vowed to dent the People’s Team unbeaten home run in seven years, rued the equaliser.
“The goalkeeper made a mistake and they capitalised on it to score. Otherwise, we should have won the game. I am happy with the result as the future looks bright,” he said.
The draw has left Bullets on eighth position from seven games with 12 points while Ntopwa who have played nine games, are on seventh with 14 points.
Rookies Ekwendeni Hammers built on their 1-2 win over Chitipa United on Friday to beat Karonga United 3-1 yesterday.
Zikani Kasambala had a brace and Mabuchi Msiska scored for Ekwendeni while Karonga United’s Crispin Mhangama scored their consolation goal.
Ekwendeni Hammers have moved to second with 19 points from nine games. They have won six games, drawn one and lost two.
Speaking in a post-match interview, Ekwendeni Hammers coach Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa said the results reflect the good preparation they did ahead of the trip to Karonga.
“We prepared well, we know that we are playing away and the players just did according to the game plan,” he said.
Karonga United coach Dan Dzikhambani said he is frustrated with the loss and has since resigned. “I am very frustrated with today’s results and I cannot continue on my job. I have resigned on my position. Someone should take over,” he said.
