TNM Super League champions Nyasa Big Bullets on Sunday closed in on leaders Blue Eagles after thrashing Rumphi United 4-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Bullets’ victory cut Blue Eagles’ lead to two points, having taken their tally to 20 points from eight games.
They dominated the match, confining the rookies on the back pedal, but found it difficult to breakthrough.
Bullets’ first serious attempt came at 17 minutes when Henry Kabichi’s shot outside the penalty box was denied by the woodwork.
Rumphi could have scored first in the 23rd minute as Rabson Chiyenda’s move to clear a cross did not yield results. He missed the ball and Jacob Tembo collected it but his shot was cleared by defender Kesten Simbi.
Bullets made a breakthrough in the 28th minute when Patrick Mwaungulu’s corner-kick saw Hassan Kajoke’s header cleared, but Chimwemwe Idana scored from the rebound.
Bullets scored the second goal in the 38th minute from a corner-kick through Kajoke following Precious Sambani’s connection blocked, but Kajoke was on hand to poke it home.
Bullets continued where they had left in the first half and Kajoke extended their lead to three from the spot after defender Chimwemwe Kaliyala fouled Mwaungulu.
Mwaungulu scored his first goal for Bullets in the 68th minute from a Kajoke assist to tally Bullets bring to four goals.
Rumphi scored the face-saver through Trouble Kajani whose shot beat goalkeeper Rabson Chiyenda.
In a post-match interview, Rumphi coach Elias Chirambo blamed the loss on officiation.
“The poor officiation happened during the first half, but later the referee changed for the better,” he said.
On his part, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa said it was difficult to penetrate into Rumphi’s half because they were defending with nine players.
“We needed to work out and find ways to take them out and it worked. Overall, I am happy with my boys because we are trying to build a team and I am convinced with the progress so far,” he said.
