Disappointing derby

The highly billed TNM second round clash between Mighty Wanderers and Big Bullets failed to live up to expectation after it produced a sour goalless draw.

The crowd that filled the Civo stadium, including MCP president Lazarus Chakwera, had little to cheer for as teams lacked creativity and played disorganised football.

Despite the below par show, it was Bullets who had the most chances and dominated the game for long periods.

Brown Mizeyi could have given Bullets the lead just six minutes into play.

But unmarked in the box, he failed to utilise a Dalitso Sailes’s corner kick and shot wide.

Diverson Mlozi was another culprit in the 16th minute when he attempted a bicycle kick from an impossible angle when all that could have mattered was composure after being fed a fine cross by the enterprising Chimango Kayira.

Wanderers’ Innocent Dzimbiri was a menace to the Bullets defence on a couple of occasions, but lacked support to turn his efforts into goals. Cuthbert Sineta, who had a rare start for Wanderers, played very deep and could not read Dzimbiri’s movement.

The blight of the game was when Bongani Kaipa made a nasty lunge on Sailesi, kicking him in the ribs in a karate style.

He was lucky to escape with a yellow card from referee Leo Ngoleka.

The second half saw Bullets maintain dominance with longer periods of possession.

Kayira, who was voted man of the match, failed to put into the empty net a ball from Dougrous Chirambo after Wanderers’ goalie Richard Chipuwa moved from his position.

The miss drew a howl of pain from Bullets faithful.

Diverson Chilemba also fluffed Wanderers’ most clear chances with 17 minute before time.

Unmarked in the box, he failed to put the ball into the net and fell down hoping for a penalty.

Bullets coach Gerald Phiri wore a disappointed face after the final whistle whereas his counterpart Stuart Mbolembole heaved a sigh of relief.