Bullets into Standard Bank Cup Semis
Big Bullets FC Sunday, September 27, 2015 completed the semi-final list for this year’s Standard Bank Knock-Out Cup after edging out Moyale Barracks 1-0 in a tough quarterfinal encounter staged before a big crowd at Civo Stadium in the capital city.
Missing the services of top striker Chiukepo Msowoya and using third choice goalkeeper Chimwemwe Kumkwawa due to a spate of injuries in their camp, Bullets started the battle on a scrappy pace, playing second fiddle to the soldiers for the better part of the first half.
The soldiers from Kaning’ina suffered a blow in their quest to get the opening goal when one of their strikers Komani Msiska was taken off-the field after sustaining a deep cut on his upper eyelid. He was replaced by Dan Katunga.
Unimpressed with his team’s first half showing, Bullets’ coach Mabvuto Lungu made two changes at the start of the second half, bringing in Diverson Mlozi for ineffective Niyikiza Ayimable and Jeresi Lufeyo for Henry Kabichi.
The move paid off shortly afterwards as Mlozi found the target eight minutes into the last half. The pace striker latched on a through ball from the centre and lobbed the ball over advancing Moyale goalkeeper James Chikwenga before placing it home.
The goal rejuvenated Bullets as Moyale went out of sorts and failed to reproduce their first half form.
Bullets’ team manager Raheem Ishmael, speaking after the game described the game as tough.
“Moyale is the toughest military team in Malawi and it is not easy to beat them in a cup match. They had their chances today but did not take them and we utilised the chance that we got,” said Ishmael.
Moyale’s assistant coach Themba Ntontholo felt it was simply not the soldiers’ day.
“We played very well and had good chances but did not get a goal. Bullets utilised the chance that they had. We must accept it was not our day today,” said Ntontholo.
The ‘People’s team’ will now face Civo United in the semi-finals with Mighty Be Forward Wanderers meeting Blue Eagles in the other semi-final.
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