Bullets close in on Eagles

Nyasa Big Bullets yesterday beat Moyale Barracks 2-1 at Mzuzu Stadium in a TNM Super League match to cut leaders Blue Eagles’ lead to two points.

Following yesterday’s win, the People’s Team has 17 points from seven matches in the 16-team league while the Malawi Police Service-sponsored side has 19 points. Moyale are 13th with six points from eight matches.

The Lions of Kaning’ina started at full throttle and were first on the ball as they controlled they appeared to control the proceedings.

But as time ticked on, Bullets settled and launched relentless attacks, forcing the Malawi Defence Force side into rearguard action.

Bullets had six corners in the first half, but failed to make them count.

The closest they came to breaking the deadlock was when their captain Chimwemwe Idana’s header narrowly missed the target.

After a goalless first half, the TNM Super League champions engaged an extra gear and  Precious Sambani drew first blood in the 51st minute when he swung upfield to plant home a Patrick Mwaungulu corner kick.

It was the second for the left-back in this campaign. He also scored in Bullets’ 1-0 win over Mafco.

However, Sambani trudged off the pitch injured moments later and was replaced by Eric Kaonga.

Towering Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju doubled Bullets’ lead in the 63rd minute after being set by substitute Hassan Kajoke, who replaced Righteous Banda.

Later on,  Bullets pulled out Idana for Misheck Selemani.

Moyale hit one back in the 77th minute through substitute Hassan Upindi, who replaced Dave Msukwa.

A beautiful exchange of passes involving Upindi and Lloyd Njaliwa, saw the former shooting past Bullets’ keeper Rabson Chiyenda.

Buoyed by that goal, Moyale turned on the heat and Bullets had their backs to the wall, but they held on to their nerve to bag full points.

Moyale coach Pritchard Mwansa said they lost momentum after a bright start in the first half and needlessly gave away possession, allowing Bullets to take over the proceedings.

He said: “We are continously losing points and it is a concern for us, we need to recover.”

On his part, Bullets assistant coach Peter Mponda said they played with a purpose and deserved to win.

“Of course, Moyale put us under pressure towards the end, but to their credit, our boys held on to the last whistle,” he said.