Bullets struggle against rookies Mponela: Malawi TNM Super League

Visiting giants Big Bullets FC had to come from behind on two occasions to force rookies Mponela United to a 2-all draw in a TNM Super League match played before a good crowd at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe’s Area 47.

Playing without several key players like Fischer Kondowe, Douglas Chirambo, Brown Mizeyi, James Chilapondwa and Gabadinho Mhango, Bullets were a shadow of themselves more especially in the first half, in which they conceded two goals.

Mponela’s first goal came from a penalty awarded by referee Zondwayo Siwombo 12 minutes into the game following a foul by defender Sankhani Mkandawire on Gerald Mwanza. Mude Geoffrey gave veteran goalkeeper Swadick Sanudi no chance from the penalty spot.

Diverson ‘Agogo’ Mlozi leveled for Bullets midway through the first half with a stylish finish following a cross from Yamikani Fodya.

With the half-time whistle just seconds away, Jack Chiona restored Mponela’s lead with a simple strike after breaking through on the right.

Bullets’ coach Eddington Ng’onamo made two tactical changes at the start of the second half, bring in veteran Heston Munthali and Lawson Chilewe for Fodya and Ian Chinyama.

The coming in of the two strikers rejuvenated Bullets attacking machinery and barely 10 minutes into the last half, the visiting giants were level- courtesy of a free kick by Henry Kabichi.

Mponela made two changes in the second half, bring on Ishmael Kapulula and Clement Trota for Richard Jailos and Harold Mpina but Kapulula did not finish the game after getting marching orders from the referee for faking injury in added time. The player had earlier been booked by the Lilongwe based referee.

Bullets coach he was not happy with the result.

“We were not ourselves in the first half but we played better in the second half after changing our system of play,” said Ng’onamo.

Ng’onamo said he was hoping for an improved performance against Blue Eagles at Nankhaka on Sunday, when his side would be welcoming back Chirambo, Chilapondwa and Mizeyi from suspensions.

Mponela’s Benjamin Kumwenda said he would have to work with his boys on defending set pieces.

“We conceded from a free kick against Blantyre United and the same has happened today. When we go back to
training, we have to look at how to defend set pieces,” he said.

With the result, Bullets are still on sixth position with 20 points from 12 games while Mponela have displaced Mzuzu United from the 13^th position with eight points from 12 games. Mzuzu have the same number of points from same number of games but have an inferior goal difference.

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