Bvumbwe see red in SL debut
New TNM Super League boys Bvumbwe Research were on Saturday taught a lesson on what it is like to play in the country’s top flight league after going down 4-1 to Big Bullets in their maiden game of the season.
Bvumbwe trailed 3-0 at half time as Bullets appeared determined to restore their battered image following their 4-0 loss to Silver Strikers in their league opener last week.
Despite a brilliant display in the second half, the result gives Research coach Bob Mpinganjira food for thought on what to expect in the remaining 27 games of the eight-month long marathon.
Midfielder Henry Kabichi was the toast of the day for the People’s Team as he claimed a brace and created one.
Bullets took the lead as early as the second minute through Kabichi who scored from a rebound after Research goalkeeper spilled a Gabadini Mhango’s shot.
Kabichi made it 2-0 in the 18th minute when he headed in Grant Lungu’s cross.
Veteran striker Heston Munthali capped memorable debut for Bullets when he struck the third goal in the 38th minute.
Mayeso Mphanje came off the bench to win and convert a penalty for Bvumbwe after he was brought down in the box to make 3-1.
Bvumbwe put more pressure on Bullets and looked like getting a second goal but their efforts were shattered when substitute Fundi Akidu scored Bullets fourth goal with five minutes remaining on the clock.
Mpinganjira admitted that his team faces a tough challenge to stand the heat in the flagship league, but said they will pick up.
“This was only our first game and most of the payers were nervous. We were caught off-guard with the three goals in the first half but managed to put our act together in the second half.
“It is a learning process for us and we will pick up as we go along. By the way, I think most of our players were tired since they did not have enough rest having finished the Professor Peter Mutharika Southern Region Football League (SRFL) late,” he said.
Bullets coach Gerald Phiri on the other hand praised his team for utilising the chances.
“For the first time since I joined Bullets last season I could see the hunger in the players to score more goals and that is the spirit we need.
“We needed this win badly after that embarrassing defeat in Lilongwe,” he said.
In other results Escom United continued to struggle as they lost 1-0 to Civo United. Welani Nyirenda scored the lone goal.
Mapopa Musukwa goal gave coach Leo Mpulula back-to-back victories as Tigers beat Mafco 1-0, while Wonderful Tumeyo and Rodrick Douglas scored a goal each as Epac beat Moyale 2-1.
In Zomba, Wanderers and Red Lions played out a one all draw. Diverson Chilemba put the Nomads in the lead before Emmanuel Banda equalised for the soldiers.
