Mwaungulu, Gumbo power Bullets to second place after beating Hammers

Chawanangwa Gumbo and Patrick Mwaungulu scored in the first half and second half respectively for Nyasa Big Bullets to secure maximum points over Mzuzu City Hammers on Saturday afternoon in Matchweek 7 of the 2024 TNM Super League season.

After two-back-to-back draws against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Mafco FC, Bullets claimed a 2-0 to climb to second place, accumulating 13 points out of a possible 21 from seven games played.

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Hammers have suffered two defeats out of seven games and both of them have been at Kamuzu Stadium, it was their fifth consecutive away defeat to Big Bullets and shipping 15 goals.

Sitting second on the table, motivated Hammers started the game on a high note, pressing the Bullets’ goal in the first five minutes.

Surprisingly, the hosts were the first to find the back of the net in the 7th minute through Gumbo, following an assist from Babatunde Adepoju after a swift counterattack.

The goal boosted the confidence of Bullets’ players as they took control of the match, enjoying possession. Lloyd Aaron stood firm in midfield, orchestrating the play for the Red Army.

In the 13th minute, Lanjesi Nkhoma rounded Eddie Jamu, the Hammers’ goalkeeper, but his attempt hit the upright. Moments later, Babatunde made a dangerous run that resulted into the first corner kick of the match.

Collin Mujuru made several mistakes at the back, allowing Hammers to have attempts on goal, but they were not clinical enough to equalize. The visitors had their penalty appeal turned down by referee, Mwayi Msungama and the goal-keeper’s trainer, Chawangwa was sent off for foul language on the referee.

Subsequently, Mujuru was subbed off for Yamikani Mologeni in the 40th minute. Three minutes later, Mologeni received the first yellow card of the game.

Bullets started the second half determined to finish the job, getting a scoring opportunity just four minutes after the restart, but Babatunde squandered Nkhoma’s through ball.

Mwaungulu doubled the lead from a direct corner kick in the 65th minute, bringing his tally to four goals this season. It was a beautiful self-gift on his 22nd birthday.

Bullets made a double substitution in the 69th minute, introducing Chrispin Mapemba and Ernest Petro in place of Chawanangwa Gumbo and Hassan Kajoke. Hammers responded a minute later by bringing in Aubrey Simbi and Previous Phiri for Chawanangwa Mkandawire and Matthews Banda.

Samson Chiona replaced Teaser Nyirenda for Hammers in the 77th minute before Bullets subbed off Lanjesi Nkhoma for Ronald Chitiyo.

The changes fueled Bullets’ performance as Chitiyo and Mapemba showcased their brilliance with dribbles and skillful runs, leaving fans in awe and total joy.

At the final whistle, Nyasa Big Bullets coach Callisto Pasuwa expressed satisfaction with the result and said he is optimistic about the upcoming fixtures.

“A sweet victory, we collected the three points. It’s an attitude; sometimes the boys underrate the teams, and you would see our center-backs trying to do funny tricks, which could punish us.

“We are starting off the season. With seven games played, we can’t be talking about the championship yet. Remember, we have new players and we are trying different combinations. We have players from the reserve team who were on loan at Bangwe, and we have new players,” said Pasuwa.

Mzuzu City Hammers’ coach Elias Chirambo pointed to the officiating as one of the reasons they did not get a good result in what he described as a good game.

“It was a very good game, only that in the first half the referee frustrated us. We had a penalty, but he didn’t give it to us. We had free kicks, but he decided not to give them. But that’s part of the game.

“We are hopeful that our players are playing well, and we will rectify the problems when we return home,” said Chirambo.

The result has moved Hammers to third position as they gave up the spot to Bullets. Elsewhere, it ended in a stalemate in the military affair as Kamuzu Barracks played Royale Barracks at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji. Check Sporting Club got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over fellow rookies, FOMO FC, at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

Matchweek 7 will end with a thrilling encounter on Super Sunday as Silver Strikers host Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the capital city, Lilongwe, at Silver Stadium on May 19.