By Durrell Namasani
Callisto Pasuwa’s Nyasa Big Bullets have secured a first-leg advantage over AmaZulu after a 1-0 win in South Africa in the preliminary round of the 2021-22 CAF Champions League season.
Bullets got their goal from Chiuiepo Msowoya in the 36th minute after a defensive mix-up in the Usuthu box.A strong start from AmaZulu had Memela running in behind the defence from a through ball and a free-kick in a promising area by the same player and Sphesihle Maduna.
Big Bullets weren’t overawed amidst Usuthu’s pressure and snatched the lead following the opening half-hour mark after Chiukepo Msowoya pounced on a goalkeeping error by Veli Mothwa.
The joy turned inside minutes as a strong challenge near the danger area by Yamikani Fodya led to his marching orders and forced Big Bullets to finish the half with ten players.
Usuthu should’ve been level ahead of halftime after a flowing move down the right freed in Maduna, who hoofed Lehlohonolo Majoro’s cutback over the top from close-range.
Big Bullets altered their stall minutes before the interval in the way of Precious Phiri for the goal-scorer and former Orlando Pirates striker Msowoya.
AmaZulu spurned another big chance two minutes after halftime with a header from close-range by substitute Siphelele Mthembu, but the lanky forward headed over the top.
The host kept piling on the pressure inside the final stages in the hope of getting a way back, but Memela and Philani Zulu’s adventures led to absolute naught whilst having a goal disallowed.
Late drama had Usuthu’s Keagan Buchanan striking the woodwork twice from two close-range attempts, while Tapelo Xoki spurned a free-kick, as Bullets stunned AmaZulu.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Pasuwa’s charges remained disciplined at the back for the remainder of the game and managed to contain all of AmaZulu’s threats and dominance.
The second leg will be played in Blantyre on 18 September.
Football Association of Malawi has congratulated Bullets for the vital win. Writing on the official Facebook page , the message from the soccer body said “The President Walter Nyamilandu-Manda and the entire Executive Committee of the Football Association of Malawi would like to congratulate Nyasa Big Bullets for beating South African PSL side Amazulu 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round away in Durban on Friday evening.
Let’s finish the job at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.!!!!!!
#YesMaule”
