“We knew Bullets would come at us hard, so we warned our defenders to stay disciplined, and they understood their assignment well. We worked as a team, and kudos to Maonga for finishing with such admirable composure,” said Silver Strikers coach Peter Mponda after their victory over FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in the 2024 TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon, June 2.
Celebrations mixed with chaotic scenes at the end of the premium fare. Chinsinsi Maonga came off the bench late in the game, replacing Binwell Katinji, to secure the Bankers’ victory in the 89th minute. He expertly combined with Patrick Macheso following a swift counterattack after Stain Dave cleared a Patrick Mwaungulu corner kick.
This result marks the first time in eight years that Silver Strikers have won a game against Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium and ended their 11-year wait for their first league win in this fixture at Kamuzu Stadium. The Bankers are now seven points clear at the summit of the log table with 25 points from nine games, having won eight and drawn one away against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos.
MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA
Peter Mponda’s side seem to be on the right track as the win pilot them to 11 points ahead of the defending Champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets who were in need of the maximum points to reduce the gap and rekindle their chances of retaining the league.
From their barren stalemate against Moyale Barracks away from home, the hosts knew that they needed to win the game and early in the game, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets nearly capitalized on their home advantage as Lanjesi Nkhoma had a shot on target, but George Chikooka, in goal for Silver Strikers, made a fantastic save. Another attempt by Bullets was cleared off the line by Silver’s Maxwell Paipi.
The first half of the game saw Silver Strikers being pinned to their own half as Babatunde Adepoju despite his profligacy, helped Bullets to play their high-pressing football forcing Silver Strikers to make blunders at the back but Chikooka deservedly named the player of the match with his heroic saves.
The home team’s dominance continued, with the visitors relying on counterattacks.
Bullets wasted a free kick from the edge of the box in the 11th minute, and seven minutes later, Mwaungulu hit the crossbar with another attempt.
Silver Strikers began to settle, displaying their trademark tik-taka football. As expected, the two footballing giants fought fiercely for supremacy, risking everything for points, pride, and bragging rights.
Tempers flared, leading to Chimwemwe Idana receiving the first yellow card of the game in the 40th minute. He arguably escaped a red card after committing two bookable fouls but Gift Chicco tried to control the game before it slipped off his hands. Four minutes later, Lloyd Aaron was booked for a tackle on Idana, seemingly in retaliation.
The home fans appealed for a penalty after Mwaungulu’s attempt hit John Nickson Mwase’s arm but Chicco paid a blind eye and turned to be deaf-eared.
The game remained goalless at halftime. In the second half, both teams made changes; Bullets introduced Ernest Petro for Stanley Billiat, and Silver brought on Mark Fodya for Charles Chipala.
Bullets continued to dominate until the visitors resumed their passing game about ten minutes into the second half. It was a tactical approach, perhaps, as in both halves, Silver started with sitting at the back, as if they were studying the game first.
Bullets’ Nickson Nyasulu received a yellow card in the 65th minute.
In the 69th minute, Chikooka made two brilliant saves to deny Bullets a goal. Babatunde had two big chances to steal the game but the keeper thwarted his attempts, the third chance saw him powering his left footed effort over the bar without any pressure.
Silver then substituted Fodya and Uchizi Vunga for Stain Dave and Patrick Macheso, while Bullets replaced the wasteful Babatunde with Hassan Kajoke in search of a goal. These changes added intensity to the game, with both teams launching dangerous attacks.
Lanjesi Nkhoma was the last Bullets player to be substituted, with Anthony Mfune replacing him in the 87th minute.
Gomezgani Chirwa had a scoring opportunity a minute later but he shot wide. Their failure to score granted Silver Strikers maximum points at the final whistle.
Maonga’s late strike angered Bullets supporters, who pelted stones and other objects onto the field. This disruption forced referee Gift Chicco to end the match without a restart ten minutes later.
Reacting to the defeat, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa admitted his team’s shortcomings, saying, “We didn’t capitalize on our chances, while Silver did. We need to go back and improve for the upcoming games.
“The players and everyone in the team need to keep their heads up if we are to return to winning ways,” said Pasuwa.
He refrained from blaming the officiating team, stating that his players must be mentally prepared to handle the games. With this first defeat of the season, Bullets now sit in fifth place with 14 points from nine games.
Featured image: MH Photograph/ Wa Mpira
Discover more from Wa Mpira
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
