Flu hits six Bullets players
Six Nyasa Big Bullets players contracted flu in Equatorial Guinea where the People’s Team whacked Dragon FC 2-0 in CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg.
Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa said Clyde Senaji, Patrick Mwaungulu, McFallen Mgwira, Kesten Simbi, Frank Willard and Ephraim Kondowe are under medical observation after being diagnosed with the cold.
“They are now improving and our medical team will continue monitoring them for the next two days to see how they will come out on Sunday,” Pasuwa told Bullets media team.
However, Bullets will be without their captain Precious Sambani who suffered a knock in the first leg, barely two weeks after recovering from yet another injury.
Pasuwa explained: “He was substituted after the opening half as he was not feeling comfortable with his leg and we had to take him out to avoid collateral damage. So, for him to completely recover, he needs three weeks, and then we will see how he will respond afterwards.”
The development means Pasuwa has lost both his firts and second choice left backs since Alick Lungu is also injured alongside Mike Mkwate, Alick Lungu, Stanley Billiat and Hassan Kajoke
In his absence, Pasuwa will likely throw in Eric Kaonga in tomorrow’s second leg match against Dragon at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
A win in the second leg will see the TNM Super League champions proceeding to the second round to face Democratic Republic of Congo giants TP Mazembe.
Bullets have never made it past the CAF Champions League preliminary stage for the past four years.
In 2018-19 they were booted out by Kenya champions Gor Mahia through post-match penalties after the first and second leg ended one-all.
In 2019-20, Bullets were shown the exit by Zimbabwe’s Platinum FC following a goalless draw at Kamuzu Stadium and a 3-2 loss in Bulawayo.
In 2020-21, Bullets beat AmaZulu of South Africa 1-0 away but were stunned 3-0 at Bingu National Stadium.
Last year, they lost to Tanzania giants Simba FC 2-0 both at home and away to once again exit the competition.
