Lions vow to end Bullets’ run

Zomba-based Red Lions have vowed to end Big Bullets’ unbeaten run in the TNM Super League as the two sides meet at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon.

Bullets are at the summit of the 15-team log table with 35 points from 15 games and they seem to be closing in on defending the title with some games in hand after creating a seven-point gap against second-placed Azam Tigers, who have played a game more.

Lions coach Collins Nkuna, whose side is sixth on the ladder and 11 points behind the leaders, said they desperately need a win so as to thwart Bullets’ predictable advantage.

“We need to beat Bullets if we are to keep our title dreams alive. They are a determining factor in the league and it will probably be doom for us if we fail to outclass them,” he said, adding that his charges, including their goal-poacher Kumbukani Mwambene, are fit and ready for the battle.

But Bullets coach Mabvuto Lungu believes the scales will weigh in their favour.

“I do not think any team can stop us from defending the league title,” Lungu said.

If statistics are anything to go by, then Bullets will carry the day, though with struggles. In the past four seasons, the two sides have met nine times in the league, with Bullets winning three, losing two and drawing four times.

Interestingly, in their nine meetings, no team won a match by more than a two-goal difference and their encounter in the first-round this season ended in a one-all draw at Zomba Community Centre ground.

Bullets won the league last season and the Zomba-based soldiers finished on fifth position with 46 points.

In other encounters today, Silver Strikers will host Dedza Young Soccer Stars while Mzuni FC will be at home against log-table anchors Fisd Wizards in a battle for the 14th place. n