Chitipa shock another giant
Chitipa United cemented their giant killing ability in the TNM Super League after beating FCB Nyasa Bullets 1-0 at Karonga Stadium.
Lajabu Nyirenda’s goal in the 53rd minute made the difference and history on Saturday for Chitipa United who are fourth on the log table with 13 points from eight matches.
It was the first defeat for Bullets this season and also at the hands of Chitipa.
Last week, Chitipa beat another football giant, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Bullets remain top with 17 points, but might be displaced by Silver Strikers if they beat Kamuzu Barracks this afternoon at Civo Stadium.
In other matches on Saturday, Mafco beat Moyale Barracks 1-0, Blue Eagles saw off Extreme FC 1-0 and Bangwe All Stars defeated Red Lions 2-0.
In Karonga, Bullets had three clear chances, but they did not utilise them.
Nine minutes before recess, Maxwell Phodo wasted an opportunity with Chitipa United’s goalkeeper George Chikooka, but lacked composure to score.
In the 73rd minute substitute MacFarlane Mgwira, who replaced Patrick Mwaungulu, was found unmarked in the box but his effort was deflected by Chitipa defender Ken Mlenga for a corner kick.
With just five minutes to full-time, the hosts conceded a free-kick outside the box. Yamikani Fodya’s narrowly delivery missed the goal to add frustration the Bullets bench.
The hosts held on for the famous win.
Chitipa coach MacDonald Mtetemera attributed the victory to good planning and preparations.
“We are glad to create this piece of history beating the defending champions and also Wanderers. In my pre-match talk I told my players not to be intimidated by history. The players worked hard and responded well to our philosophy,” he said.
Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa admitted in a post match interview that his boys were flat and lost possession needlessly.
“We were second on the ball and this problem is persisting. We could not keep possession and our opponents took advantage and dominated. I am not happy with the performance but we will go back home and work on correcting our mistakes,” he said.
