Blunt Bullets: Moyale hold on to frustrate misfiring Pasuwa’s men

Babatunde Adepoju will not have to watch the review of the game, and Hassan Kajoke will question his attitude, yes, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets difficult start to the season continues as they were held to a barren stalemate against Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium, their fifth of the season, just two shy of their 2022’a total draws.

Heading into the game, the Blantyre-based giants were looking to reduce their gap with the leaders, Silver Strikers who are flying higher this season but Moyale Barracks who have now played five games without a win were resilient to deny the visitors a party, Maneno Nyoni did enough to frustrate his former bosses.

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The draw leaves Bullets 8 points shy of the top of the table and they face Silver Strikers on Sunday next week while Moyale Barracks are 6th with 11 points, and they face Mighty Waka Waka Tigers in their next assignment.

Babatunde-Kajoke partnership fails again as they fire blunt

Injuries have crippled Kalisto Pasuwa limiting him to just three strikers at his disposal. Ephraim Kondowe faces an extra two weeks outside the squad due to injury while Maxwell Phodo will return to team training this week.

Kondowe replaced injured Phodo in the opening fixture of the season before firing in the opener that was canceled by Promise Kamwendo. Phodo is Pasuwa’s leading striker despite his profligacy. Kondowe is the deputy leading striker for his hard work and eagle eye.

Supporters launched a “Bring Back Kajoke” campaign after being overlooked by the coach earlier this season. The Reserve graduate has failed to impress since starting the game against Mafco FC in Chitowe and against Mzuzu City Hammers. Babatunde Adepoju who plundered 18 goals before joining South Africa’s side, Venda Academy is yet to regain his scoring boots.

Starting slowly in the game, Bullets craved for Patrick Mwaungulu’s individual brilliance to create chances but the creative midfielder felt let down by his front players who were goal-shy.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have scored as many goals as Karonga United, and CRECK Sporting Club (10) while Silver have scored 21, and Kamuzu Barracks who are third have scored 11. A drop-off of their strikers stands behind the struggle of the team.

Inside 10 minutes, 6 corners had already been recorded with half each. Precious Sambani nearly caught the keeper with a tap-in from Mwaungulu’s corner kick but Semion Harawa wizardly palmed it away before it crossed the line.

Babatunde Adepoju hid his face in embarrassment, he missed the chance from a goalable position. Mwangulu launched an attack into Moyale’s half and he entered the penalty area before setting up the towering striker whose effort missed the mouth of the goal.

After surviving Maneno Nyoni’s ruled-out goal, Bullets swung the pendulum to the other side through their main player this season, Mwaungulu who fed up Kajoke but the striker failed to beat the keeper.

A habit, Kalisto Pasuwa called Lanjesi Nkhoma for Ernest Petro just before the restart to add firepower to his frontline. Maneno Nyonu was called into action by Kajoke five minutes into the second half and Mwaungulu was denied by Harawa from close range after combining with Lanjesi Nkhoma.

Baba had the best opportunity to repent his sins but again, he was disappointed with his own lower limb after failing to beat the keeper one-on-one situation towards the end of the game.

Patrick Mwaungulu has scored four of the team’s 10, three goals were scored by Kondowe while Chawangwa Gumbo has two. Babatunde has one goal to his name while Hassan Kajoke is two to sneak the goal this season.

A point not enough for Mwansa

Since beating Civil Service United 3-0 last month, Moyale Barracks are still searching for their win as they have recorded five back-to-back draws.

Off the back of a barren stalemate against Kamuzu Barracks, the Lions of Kaning’ina were looking to record their second win over Bullets in 12 games and they had moments in the game that would have won them the game.

“We are not happy with a point, we wanted to win the game but that’s football, we created chances but we missed them, we will see in our next appointment as we face Mighty Tigers this weekend,” said Prichard Mwansa.

Charles Nkhoma and Clifford Chimulambe didn’t allow Petro and his co-in midfield to have spaces. Moyale forced two corners within the first five minutes with Raphael Phiri firing over the bar and Brown Magaga gobbling it wide from close range.

Brown Magaga had space on the right and could pocket Sambani. He challenged Bullets’ Captain before finding Phiri whose short was tamed by the keeper, Innocent Nyasulu.

Maneno Nyoni saw his celebration being cut short by the assistant referee’s flag. He latched on a well-taken free-kick to beat the keeper with a simple finish which was ruled out for offside.

Mwansa introduced Luke Chima for Emmanuel Allan early in the second half to up the intensity of his attacking line but Bullets controlled the midfield and proceedings. The hosts absorbed pressure magnificently. Brown Magaga missed a big opportunity after getting better of Bullets’ defence.