Bullets, Silver in crucial away victories
Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers on Saturday collected maximum points after significant victories in their first away assignments in week 21 of the TNM Super League.
Bullets edged Savenda Chitipa United 3-0 at Karonga Stadium and they now shift their attention to Karonga United in this afternoon’s second fixture.
Chitipa, though usually stubborn at home, were deflated by goals from Chiukepo Msowoya in the 39th minute, Chimwemwe Idana in the 44th and Hassan Kajoke in the 64th.
With the win, Bullets have moved a step up to position two with 35 points replacing Blue Eagles.
Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa said they learned a lesson when they drew with the rookies at home in the first round.
“They are boys who if you let them play, they will punish you. So we made sure that in every area we are on our toes.
“The players responded well, utilising any ball they [Chitipa]were losing and attacked them,” said Pasuwa.
The Zimbawean tactician said they will now concentrate on this afternoon’s match against Karonga United to fulfil their dream of collecting maximum points from the Northern Region.
“Recovery is the most important thing. I think most of the guys who didn’t play [in this match] will have a chance tomorrow ,” said Pasuwa.
Silver, coming from last week’s surprise loss to Dwangwa United at Chitowe, needed maximum points as well ahead of today’s encounter against Be Forward Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium.
The bankers went on to secure a 1-0 victory over Mighty Tigers at their backyard Mulanje Park Stadium, thanks to a Khuda Muyaba penalty.
Silver now have 32 points but are still on position five following Kamuzu Barracks’ 1-0 victory over Masters Security at Dedza Stadium.
KB have maintained fourth position with 34 points at par with Blue Eagles on third, but with better goal difference.
The battle for points resumes this afternoon as Eagles and KB tussle for the third position this afternoon.
The two sides clash at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Leaders Wanderers are comfortable at the top since they cannot be toppled in week 21.
But the Nomads, who rested on Saturday, will be aiming at consolidating their position to keep a distance with second placed Bullets, so that they do not panic in week 22.
Assistant coach Oscar Kaunda said he expects a tough game as Silver are aiming for full points in their second assignment in the Southern Region.
The Nomads will be banking on their in form Nigerian Babatunde Adepoju who leads the Golden Boot race race with 15 points.
On the opposite end, Babatunde’s nemesis, controversial forward Muyaba, who scored for the bankers on Saturday , completes the two sides’ exciting battle for glory.
