Debate might continue on his actual first name, but Gabadinho Mhango ended talk about his TNM Super League goal-drought. He scored a brace as Big Bullets registered a 2-0 win over toothless Azam Tigers on Sunday.
Siine koma Gabadinho! [Blame it on Gabadinho!] Bullets fans erupted in song and dance in the Kamuzu Stadium terraces. Well, having now transferred his rich cup form to the league, his name might as well change to ‘Goaldinho’.
In post-match interview, Bullets coach Eddington Ng’onamo was all smiles: “I reminded him that he is yet to score in the league and he gave me a good answer today.â€
Ng’onamo’s opposite number Leo Mpulula, whose side also lost 2-0 to Blantyre United to crash out of the Standard Bank Knockout Trophy on Saturday, was left ruing missed opportunities.
In this crowd-puller, Gabadinho was a huge decisive factor for Bullets who simply could not play with characteristic fluidity as they found Tigers’ pressing too much to bear. Bullets pumped the balls forward aimlessly, thanks to their frontline which made the most of few chances.
Having been policed the better part of the afternoon, Gabadinho cut inside from the right, skipped several tackles before drilling the ball at the near post of Tigers goalkeeper Nenani Juwayo’s net on 28th minute.
At the other end, Tigers young forwards Maxwell Mwanyongo and Moses Nankumba could not get it right as they fluffed at least 10 decent chances.
With man of the match, Bullets keeper Owen Chaima in form, Tigers could simply not locate the target. Substitute Fischer Kondowe finally killed off the game as a contest. He put through Gabadinho who on the 80th minute chipped the ball past Juwayo for the second goal.
Bullets now have 15 points from 10 games whereas Tigers have 18 points from 12 games. In Lilongwe, leaders Silver Strikers defeated Bvumbwe Research 2-0. Frank Banda and Peter Mwenda were on target. Silver have now collected 26 points from 12 games and are six points clear.
In other results, Charles Ngosi, MiciumMhone and Gilbert Chirwa were on target for Blue Eagles as they beat Moyale Barracks 3-2. The Mzuzu soldiers, who lost 5-2 to Silver Strikers on Saturday, netted through Crispin Fukizi and Victor Phiri.
