National Sports

BB storm Nankhaka fortress

 

\Nyasa Big Bullets have warned Blue Eagles to expect relentless onslaught today as the two teams  clash in Presidential Cup round of 16 play-off at Nankhaka in Lilongwe.

Largely regarded as a fortress, Nankhaka Stadium has of late become a no-go zone and Eagles are yet to lose at the venue this season.

But Bullets say the pressure is on the hosts.

“They will be looking at preserving their unbeaten run,” said Bullets team manager Rahim Ishmael in an interview on Tuesday in Lilongwe.

Bullets and Eagles in action in a previous match
Bullets and Eagles in action in a previous match

He said apart from Sankhani Mkandawire and Chikondi Likwemba, who have been sidelined since the start of the season, the squad has no injury concerns.

Strikers Muhammad Sulumba, Chiukepo Msowoya and Mussa Manyenje can be lethal on a good day and the Eagles defence of Steve Chagoma, Ackim Kazombo and Enock Likoswe should be prepared to work over time.

But Eagles coach Deklerk Msakakuwona has warned Bullets against underestimating his team’s capabilities.

“They [Bullets] should not think that because we lost to Silver at the weekend in a league match, they might have an advantage.  We have a specific game plan against Bullets,” warned Msakakuwona.

Out of the 10 games Eagles have played in all competitions, they have only lost to Silver.

“Like I said before, we are not getting complacent because of our good run. There is still a long way to go.  What we are doing is focusing on each game as it comes, “ said Msakakuwona.

Eagles’ forwards Maxwell Salambula and Junior Malidadi have been the undoing of many teams this season and Bullets defence of  Yamikani Fodya,  Miracle Gabeya, John Lanjesi and Pilirani Zonda should be alert.

Despite being a  midweek fixture, fans are expected to flock to Nankhaka for the showdown. n

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