Bullets blow away Mafco to re-launch title defence, unbeaten: Malawi TNM Super League

Defending TNM Super League champions Big Bullets on Saturday, 12 September 2015 re-launched their title defence in grand fashion when they defeated Mafco 1-0 in a tough match played before a huge crowd at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa.

Playing without their goal poacher Jafali Chande, Bullets showed a true character of champions by taking the game to the Soccer Instructors right from the start.

They were on top four minutes to the break- courtesy of a well taken direct free-kick from just outside the box by free-kick specialist Yamikani ‘Headmaster’ Fodya.

Lilongwe based referee Duncan Lengani awarded the free-kick after a foul by a Mafco defender on striker Diverson Mlozi, who had just replaced Davie Ng’ambi.

Half time whistle caught the soldiers trailing 0-1 and despite both sides exhausting their substitutions in the second half, the status quo remained.

Speaking after the whistle, Bullets team manager Raheem Ishmael praised his charges for putting up a spirited performance:.

“Mafco are a very tough team and it is not easy to beat them at home. I salute the boys for playing their lungs out,” said Ishmael.

Mafco team manager David Gulaimfa felt fatigue from Thursday’s Standard Bank Cup preliminary match against Be Forward Wanderers had taken a toll on his boys.

“We had a tough game against Wanderers on Thursday and there were some elements of fatigue on our boys. We were also not sharp upfront- we need to improve on our finishing,” said Gulaimfa.

With the win, Bullets have extended their lead at the top to 35 points from 15 games, eight ahead of Azam Tigers who reportedly drew nil-all against Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe.