Big Bullets FC used its experience to overcome second-tier Nsejjere Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Premier League side Cobbe Barracks FC 2-1 in a strength-testing match at Zomba Community Centre ground on Saturday.
The People’s Team took the game seriously and fielded quite a strong side except for Fischer Kondowe, Dalitso Sailesi and three other players—Yamikani Fodya, Pilirani Zonda and Chiukepo Msowoya— who are with the Flames in Swaziland.
The Super League defending champions are tuning up for the second round of the TNM Super League which rolls into life this weekend.
Aimable Nikiza put Bullets ahead with a simple tap-in barely four minutes into the game. The goal came after Cobbe goalkeeper Charles Njilima had fumbled the ball inside the goal area.
Bullets led 1-0 at halftime. Three minutes after resumption, Cobbe levelled the scores through Wezzie Mkandawire when Bullets’ defenders developed cold feet in the goal area. A few minutes later, Cobbe were dealt a severe blow when their hard tackling midfielder Tinenenji Nandolo was sent off following a second bookable offence.
However, Bullets scored the winning goal through Mussa Manyenje from the penalty spot. Referee Harrison Chiunda adjudged defender Chimwemwe Chidati to have handled in the goal area.
Big Bullets coach Mabvuto Lungu said his team still has some loopholes in defence which needs patching up. His counterpart Chifundo Masapula attributed the loss to the red card, insisting it added pressure on the team.
Elsewhere, Epac thumped Silver Strikers 3-0 while Civo United and Airborne Rangers drew one-all.
