Moyale feasts on Bullets’ ‘Mithi’, leaders stumble in title race

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have suffered a major setback in the race for the TNM Super League championship after suffering a humbling 2-0 defeat to Moyale Barracks, thereby dropping vital points at the Mzuzu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Lameck Mithi was unstoppable in the game as he netted two first-half goals to take his tally to 6 goals in his last 6 matches for the Kaning’ina Lions, who ensured their safety in the league for this season and moved near the top 8 of the League.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

Meanwhile, the People’s team were handed their 6th loss in the League, for the first time since the 2011-12 season when they lost 8 games.

The result has given Big Bullets a big setback on two fronts as Silver Strikers’ narrow 1-0 win over Ekhaya FC has put them just three points ahead of the Bankers, who have a game in hand, and Mighty Wanderers could leapfrog them to second on Thursday.

Bullets have lost two of their last three matches as they were beaten by Creck Sporting Club before showing a little redemption against Karonga United last weekend.

The hosts showed hunger from the beginning as Nadrick Nyirenda’s header in the 11th minute was ruled out for offside before Babatunde Adepoju saw his attempt blocked in the box, while Jeremiah Simfukwe denied Chikumbutso Salima and Chawanangwa Gumbo with fine saves to keep the game goalless.

The Lions of Kaning’ina broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Chifundo Makawa got the better of Aaron Chilipa to set up Lameck Mithi, whose powerful header beat Richard Chimbamba. Mithi doubled the lead 10 minutes later after beating the offside trap to hand Moyale a healthy lead at half-time.

The visitors introduced Paul Master, Ephraim Kondowe and Yamikani Mologeni for Frank Willard, Wongani Lungu and Andrew Juvinala in half-time changes, then Simfukwe denied Babatunde and Kondowe as Bullets searched for a win, and Babatunde paved the way for Sean McBrams in the 63rd minute.

Maxwell Gasten Phodo fired wide from close range in the 66th minute before Simfukwe made a brilliant save to deny Kondowe from scoring, then Nadrick Nyirenda hit the side-netting with a fine shot, and despite trying to get a goal, Moyale stood firm at the back to secure a big win against the league leaders.

Assistant coach for the People’s team, Gilbert Chirwa, attributed the loss to failure to defend balls which Moyale converted and missing chances in the game.

“We did not play well today and we allowed Moyale to score with balls that we could have done better to defend them. We also got many chances which we failed to convert, so I don’t have much to say,” said Chirwa.

He however acknowledged the challenge which the team has created for themselves in as far as winning the league is concerned, but he said they will keep on fighting.

“It is hard indeed, but we will keep on fighting until the last game, only that this time it will be hard because we have created problems for ourselves and this is not good at all. Sorry to our fans,” added Chirwa.

On his part, Moyale Barracks head coach Prichard Mwansa hailed his players for their brilliant performance in the game that earned them a valuable win.

“It is a sweet victory because considering where we are in the League, we need this one and I am happy with the boys. They played well and according to instructions. With no substitutions, they played as a unit, defended together and attacked together,” said Mwansa.

He also said that he sees the team finishing in the top 8 of the league and they will fight hard in their remaining matches in order to do better and fulfill their hopes.

Despite the loss, the People’s team remain top of the table as they have 59 points from 19 wins, two draws and 6 defeats, but they could go down to second on Thursday if Mighty Wanderers beat Karonga United at the Kamuzu Stadium.

Meanwhile, Moyale Barracks moved up to 10th in the League as they now have 36 points from 9 wins, 9 draws and 9 defeats in the League, sitting two points below the 8th position.