Bullets beat Zimbabwe Caps in Zambezi: No trophy presentation

Two goals from Fischer Kondowe and Chiukepo Msowoya  gave Big Bullets  a 2-1 triumph on Wednesday  in the Zambezi Challenge Cup against Caps United of Zimbabwe at Kamuzu Stadium.

Msowoya, who scored the winning goal in the injury time was outstanding in his first match for the peoples team  since the Mozambican side  shipped him to Bullets  this summer.

Big Bullets coach Nsanzurino Ramadhan  had few changes to his line-up featuring a front line of  Tizgowere Kumwenda  and Msowoya.

The visitors, who featured three Malawian players namely Gerald Phiri Jnr, Ishmael Thindwa and George Nyirenda, deployed a young squad.

However, Bullets found plenty of room to maneuver on the right flank where Fischer Kondowe was untouchable.

Impressive Kondowe  drew first blood  for the hosts in the  first half, when  he scored from a free kick outside the 18 yard box.

Veteran Kondowe belied his rather advanced age to score a stunning freekick  before weighing in with an assist at the death to bury the visitors.

Kondowe (37) displayed stunning athleticism not consistent with his age, covering every blade of the grass as he inspired his side to a memorable victory.

A mistake by Bullets  defenders  set up an equalizer for the visitors.

The visitors might have led 2-1 at the half if Gerald Phiris’ shot hadn’t bounced off the crossbar.

On recess time it ended 1-1.

Come second half, Bullets saw defender Sankhani Mkandawire and Bashir Maunde off due to injuries.

Coach Ramadhan also made several changes bringing in Jaffalie Chande, Henry Kabichi, Owen Chaima, Mussa Manyenje for Victor Limbani, Tigzowere Kumwenda and Chimwemwe Kunkwawa.

After the introduction of fresh legs, Bullets generated a lot of  chances in this  half, but it was not until the injury time  that the home side got on the board with a goal
from  Chiukepo Msowoya.

In fact, Msowoya could have scored the second seconds before the final whistle, but defender Rodwell Muhlanga cleared the Bullets’ forward’s goal-bound shot off the line.

The visitors  hopes of salvaging a draw were dashed when captain George Nyirenda   was ejected for indiscpline after he shoved referee Ishmael Chizinga.

And CAPS assistant coach Brenna Msiska said he was satisfied with the performance of his players and declared that there will be fireworks this season.

He, however, blamed poor officiating for his side’s loss.

“It was a spendid display from the guys. They played well and I cannot ask for me. Big Bullets played well but we had better chances than them. If they had not been aided by the referee we could have won,” Msiska said.

His counterpart Ramadhan Nsanzurwimo said: “The game was tough, a highly physical one, but we thank God we took our chances. We deserved victory. It is a good win for us as we prepare for our Champions League match, but I was not happy with the referee today. Look, how many penalties we could had.”

Big Bullets got three million kwacha ($6 800) for winning the match, while Caps United received one million kwacha ($2 200).

However, there was no presentation ceremony of a trophy as organisers failed to bring it due to logistical hiccups.

Bullets:

Chimwemwe Kunkwawa (Owen Chaima), Bhashir Maunde (Dalitso Siliva), Miracle Gabeya, Yamikani Fodya, Sankhani Mkandawire (Dave Ng’ambi), Fischer Kondowe, Dalitso Sailesi, James Chilapondwa, Victor Limbani (Henry Kabichi), Chiukepo Msowoya, Tizgobere Kumwenda (Mussa Manyenje).

Caps:

Ian Chiwara, Valentine Musaruwa, George Nyirenda, Charles Mutero, Rodwell Muhlanga, Clive Sibanda( Yohane Sibanda), Lee Ruzvido, Tinotenda Muskwe (Blessings Mamuzihwa), Pevington Zimonya (Never Tigere), Gerald Phiri Jnr, Ishmael Thindwa (Carlos Messi)

 

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