Nyasa Big Bullets’ problems went from w o r s e t o w o r s t yesterday when they succumbed to a second loss in TNM Super League after going down 0-1 to Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium.
Harvey Nkacha’s 24th minute strike did the damage to the TNM Super League defending champions who have now failed to collect maximum points in three games as they face Civo United this afternoon at the same venue.
Bullets lost to Karonga United two weeks ago before drawing one-all against Wizards FC at Kamuzu Stadium. Yesterday’s loss did not come as a surprise considering that the players boycotted training on Tuesday as they pushed for the payment of their outstanding signing on fees.
Kamuzu Barracks outplayed Bullets in all departments and the margin could have been bigger had KB forwards been more accurate in front of goal.
The soldiers could have scored as early as the fourth minute were it not for the acrobatics efforts of Nyasa Big Bullets goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe who had to stretch fully to block away a Kelvin Hanganda close Kamuzu Barracks worsen Bullets problems shot.
Bullets countered through Henry Kabichi long ball which found advancing winger MacFarlen Mgwira who dribbled past KB leftback Mustapha Salimu, but Dave Ng’ambi was a second late to tap in from resultant cross.
Nkacha gave the hosts the lead in the 24th minute with a fine volley outside the 18 yard box and KB held on to the lead until recess.
The hosts came back in the second with more purpose playing an attacking game as Nkacha, Dave Banda and Hanganda controlled the midfield.
Manase Chiyesa shot over after being gifted the ball by Emmanuel Zoya in the box. A couple of minutes later Chiyesa was guilty of missing the easiest of chances when he failed to beat Ernest Kakhobwe on
Bullets goals in one-on-one situation to the unbelief of the huge crowd that braved the chilling weather.
Bullets attacking duo of Chiukepo Msowoya and Niyikiza Aimable were frustrated as they chased the ball for much of the game. Eventually, Aimable was replaced by Muhammad Sulumba as they visitors added offence.
Msowoya nearly pulled level for Bullets in the 72th minute. He was well positioned in the box to hit first time from a well floated free kick by Zoya.
But his effort was tamed by an alert Lemani Nthara on KB goals.
“I told my boys to attack and attack and they did just that. It was a great win and we deserved it,” said KB coach Billy Phambala in a post match brief.
Bullets team manager Rahim Ishmael admitted being outplayed by the hosts. “We did not play with passion. We tried a number of substitutions but it didn’t work out,” said Ishmael.
Bullets are on position 11 with 13 points as they face Civo United this afternoon.
