Four years ago, Chiku Kanyenda missed the decisive penalty in the finals of the Standard Bank Cup, but on Sunday he inspired Big Bullets to the finals of the Presidential Cup after converting the decisive penalty kick against Escom United.
Bullets will now meet Moyale Barracks in the finals.
There was tension as Kanyenda stepped up to take the decisive penalty kick, but to his credit, he did not lose his nerve as he sent Escom ‘keeper Charles Swini the wrong way, sending Bullets fans into delirium.
It was party time in the red side of town and you could not blame the Bullets faithful, if at all they felt like flying. The team’s bus was given a hero’s send-off and travelled at snail’s pace as the enthusiastic BB fans celebrated the team’s hugely significant win.
Not even Fifa referee Dennis Ngulube’s decision to send off talisman Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango in the dying minutes could take off Bullets’ determination.
James Chilapondwa, Keston Masonda, George Nyirenda and Kanyenda converted their spot kicks for BB while Richard Senti, Kondwani Gawani and Manase Chiyesa scored for Escom.
Captain Spencer Chipantha, Bashir Maunde and Innocent Phiri failed to convert their penalty kicks for Escom so did Bullets’ Peter Mpulula and Douglas Chirambo.
Bullets coach Eddington Ng’onamo was delighted with the win.
“It was a tough game and I had doubts as to whether we could excel in penalties because most of the players that I chose were not confident and avoided the spot kicks. All the same, its good to be in the finals,” said Ng’onamo.
His Escom counterpart Charles Manda said: “It is unfortunate that we have lost. Penalties can go either way. But I am happy that my boys played their lungs out.”
Gabadinho put Bullets in the lead 20 minutes into the game from the penalty spot, Chimwemwe Nyakamera equalised for Escom in the 34th minute
Heston Munthali scored BB’s second at the dot of half time before Noel Mkandawire equalised for Escom.
