Babatunde’s header squeezes Bullets past resilient Ekhaya

The cool breeze blew and the sun shone brightly over Kamuzu Stadium as Ekhaya FC hosted FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a thrilling TNM Super League clash on July 2. Babatunde Adepoju marked his 100th appearance in red and white in a remarkable way as he scored the only goal which downed ambitious Ekhaya

The win means that Bullets have beaten Ekhaya twice by identical scoreline as they also secured a 1-0 win in the Sapitwa4 Bonanza earlier this year. Big Bullets are still topping the table with a point over Mighty Wanderers who are chasing them closely while Ekhaya remain third.

A tense stalemate in the first half

From the first few minutes, Bullets wasted no time asserting their dominance, earning two free kicks within the first five minutes. However, the Ekhaya defense proved equal to the task.

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Bullets had an early chance to break the deadlock in the sixth minute when defender Henry Chiwaya rose to meet a cross with a header that flew over the bar. It was a missed opportunity, and the Ekhaya defense breathed a sigh of relief. As the game unfolded, both teams began to settle into their rhythm. In the eighth minute, Chiwaya had another opportunity, set up by Hassan Kajoke, but his weak shot went straight to Ekhaya’s goalkeeper, Ellias Missi. The home side also had their chances as the pace of the game picked up.

In the 12th minute, Bullets earned a free kick near the edge of the box, and Frank Willard’s strike looked destined for the top corner. But Missi was up to the task, punching it away and keeping the score level. It was clear both teams had come to play, and the tempo increased with each passing minute.

Just a minute later, there was more drama when Babatunde Adepoju and Missi collided in an aerial challenge. The tussle ended without any cards, but the intensity grew. Babatunde was eventually the first player booked in the 14th minute for a foul.

Ekhaya made an early substitution in the 19th minute, bringing on Vincent Salawira for Safton Chintokoma. The fresh legs seemed to give them a slight edge, and Salawira quickly found his feet. A few minutes later, he launched an ambitious effort on goal, but it sailed wide. The match was turning into a tense affair, with both sides battling for control.

By the 35th minute, the tempo had slowed. Neither team created any clear-cut chances, and the match seemed to be heading toward a goalless first half. Despite their early pressure, Bullets found it hard to break down the stubborn Ekhaya defense. In the final few minutes of the half, Ekhaya had a chance from a free kick, but Alick Lungu’s effort went straight into the arms of Nyasulu. With no goals to show for their efforts, both teams entered the break level at 0-0.

Bullets find the breakthrough

The second half kicked off with a worrying sight for Ekhaya. Their captain, Innocent Msowoya, had to be stretchered off after a serious injury, with Lovemore Mbeta coming on to replace him. The home side was shaken, and Bullets took advantage of the disruption. In the 51st minute, Bullets had a free kick taken by Willard, and though his shot missed, Kajoke followed up with a touch that was just off target. Ekhaya were hanging on, but they had to stay alert.

Just moments later, the breakthrough came. In the 57th minute, a perfectly delivered free kick from Chiwaya found Babatunde Adepoju, who powered home a header past Missi. The Bullets fans erupted in celebration, and the visitors had a 1-0 lead. Ekhaya, who had been holding their own, now faced an uphill battle to get back into the game.

Ekhaya tried to respond. Stanley Billiat had a chance to test Nyasulu from a free kick in the 59th minute, but the Bullets keeper made a brilliant save, pushing it wide for a corner. The resulting corner was easily cleared, and it was evident that Bullets were now in control of the match.

The game continued to be physical, with Chiwaya receiving a yellow card in the 65th minute for a foul on Wongani Kaponya. The match became a scrappy affair as both teams jostled for possession, but the momentum was firmly with Bullets. Ekhaya made another change, introducing Kesten Simbi for Clever Chikwata in the 74th minute, but it was Bullets who continued to threaten.

Phodo, who had come on earlier, spotted Babatunde with a well-timed pass, but the striker’s header went wide in the 77th minute. Ekhaya, despite their efforts, found it difficult to break through. Bullets were now enjoying the lion’s share of possession, seemingly in complete control.

With only a few minutes left, Ekhaya’s hopes of getting something from the match were dashed. The visitors continued to press, and a well-placed cross from Phodo almost resulted in another goal, but Babatunde’s header was off target. As the clock ticked down, Bullets made one last substitution, bringing on Ernest Petro for the injured Aaron.

As the final whistle drew closer, Bullets still led 1-0, and Ekhaya’s chances were slipping away. Added time provided a glimmer of hope, but Bullets held firm, with goalkeeper Nyasulu managing the game well. The final whistle blew, and Bullets had secured a hard-fought 1-0 win.

Babatunde’s header was the difference between the two sides, proving enough for Bullets to take all three points. Despite Ekhaya’s strong defensive display and several promising moments, they could not find a way past Nyasulu and Bullets’ defense.

At the end of the match, Blessings Mpokera was named Player of the Match for his solid defensive performance, which helped keep Bullets’ lead intact. It was a hard-earned win for the visitors and a disappointing defeat for Ekhaya, who will look to bounce back in their next game.