By McLloyd Kudzingo
Two first half goals from Ronald Chitiyo and Babatunde Adepoju were enough to give FCB Nyasa Big Bullets a 2-1 win over Blantyre derby rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in a TNM Super League match played at the Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Bullets were the more aggressive team early on and created the first chance in the fifth minute through Wongani Lungu but it was well defended by the Nomads.
Two minutes later Chitiyo opened the scoring for the People’s team with a brilliant finish inside the penalty box after receiving an assist from Nixon Nyasulu.
Later on Wanderers started dominating possession but Bullets defence proved to be two good for the Nomads’ attackers.
Maxwell Phodo had a chance to increase the for the People’s team in the 23rd minute but his shot was beautifully saved by Wanderers’ goalkeeper William Thole.
Babatunde Adepoju doubled the lead for the People’s team in the 40th with a simple tap-in after receiving a pass from Wongani Lungu.
In the second half, Wanderers substituted the experienced legs of Isaac Kaliati and Stanley Sanudi for Gaddie Chirwa and Francisco Madinga and later on Bullets brought in Lloyd Aaron and Stanley Billiati for Wongani Lungu and Ronald Chitiyo.
The Nomads also substituted Felix Zulu and Wallace Adam for Balikihno Mwakanyangu and Clement Nyondo in the 72nd minute.
Wanderers captain Lawrence Chaziya was shown a yellow card in the 83rd minute after making a deliberate handball before protesting by pushing referee David Chinoko who later flashed a red card for the Nomads to finish with ten men.
Thierry Tajong Samar pulled one back for the Nomads in the 87th minute after a communication breakdown between defender Gomezgani Chirwa and goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba.
Wanderers continued to search for an equaliser and substitute Clement Nyondo almost registered his name on the score-sheet but goalkeeper Chimbamba made a crucial save to ensure victory for the defending champions.
After the match, Bullets player Chrispin Mapemba was voted man of the match.
Elsewhere, it ended 2-all between Chitipa United and Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium as the Mzuzu derby between Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu City Hammers ended goalless.
Silver Strikers who are playing City-rivals, Civil Service United on Sunday remain top on the log table with 50 points followed by Wanderers who are perched on second position with 44 points.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are now third on the log table with 40 points, four points behind Wanderers and both teams have so far played 23 games.
