On his return from Denmark, the home of origin of their sponsors, Carlsberg, coach Eddington Ngonamo could not ask for a better welcome TNM Super League party than a 3-1 first defeat of Civo United at a packed Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.
As the Bullets red crowd went wild in the terraces, Ng’onamo, who spent a month in Denmark on a coaching stint, flashed an infectious smile. Civo veteran mentor, Alex Masanjala folded his arms on his chest, his face down as if praying.
“The boys and the whole team decided to welcome me with three points, I could not ask for more,†Ngonamo said in a post-match interview after making it seven points in four games.
Civo claimed the consolation in the 29th minute, two minutes after veteran striker Heston Munthali had powered in a header, doing great justice Henry Kabichi’s right flank delivery. It was Munthali’s third consecutive goal in three appearances for Bullets.
Bullets, playing with so much aggression, pressing high up the pitch, hardly giving Civo any second on the ball, had then also scored the opener through another returnee Diverson Mlozi on the 22nd minute, simply tapping in after Munthali challenge on Civo goalkeeper Onani Sengwa resulted in a spilled ball.
First-half ended with Bullets leading 2-1. After break, hopes of Civo resurrection vanished as Douglas Chirambo, back from a three-game suspension, converted a penalty awarded after Civo has fouled in the D-zone troublesome attacker Gabadini Mhango in the 55th minute.
After the game, Masanjala admitted that Bullets were simply better: “They were more positive and active than us. They took their chances and they played better.â€
In other games, Rodrick Gonani grabbed a double as leaders Silver Strikers punished Kamuzu Barracks 4-1 with Chikondi Likwemba and Blessings Tembo adding two more and Yusuf Nanthali, getting the soldiers a face-saver. Silver lead the standings on 12 points having won four straight games.
Elsewhere, Diverson Chilemba continued with his rich vein of form as he earned third-placed Mighty Wanderers a 1-0 win over Epac FC in Balaka. Vincent Chinthenga bagged a hat-trick as rookies Bvumbwe Research got their first maximum points after seeing off Blantyre United 4-2. Moyale Barracks were 2-0 winners over fellow soldiers Mafco, while Azam Tigers lost 3-1 to now second-placed Red Lions.
