Bullets pip Chikwawa to move top: Malawi TNM Super League

Bullets FC have moved to the top of the TNM Super League with a 4-1 thrashing of relegation-threatened Chikwawa United at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.

Jimmy Zakazaka scored on either side of the half while Mussa Manyenje, who substituted Tizgowere Kumwenda in the 64th minute, scored in injury time and an own goal by Prince Kabudula in the first half  were enough to seal an important victory for Bullets.

Zakaza gave Bullets promising start with a 2nd minute goal scored after penetrating Chikwawa when he was put through by James Chilapondwa.

Bullets were a better side particularly in defence and attack where defenders Sankhani Mkandawire, Pilirani Zonda and Ian Chinyama, who was deservedly voted man of the match, kept the visitors at bay.

In midfield Fischer Kondowe, who was as strong contender for man of the match award, formed a strong combination with Henry Kabichi and Chilapondwa to offer Zakazaka and his striking partner Kumwenda some chances to score.

However, Zakazaka was the hero of the day having scored from individual efforts which reflected much on his vast experience.

Bullets cushioned the lead in the 23rd minutes through Kabudula’s own goal against the run of play as Chikwawa were pushing for an equaliser in a closely contested match although the wide margin could suggest otherwise.

Chikwawa, who came from behind during the first round  to force a one-all draw at Kalulu Stadium, threatened Bullets’ lead when they scored a brilliant  goal in the 54 minute through John Banda straight from a free kick outside the 18-yard box.

Bullets breathed a sigh of relief when Zakazaka restored the two-goal cushion for Bullets third goal before substitute Manyenje added icing on the cake with a late goal for his team to win 4-1.

The ‘Peoples team’  have displaced Moyale Barracks on pole position having taken their tally to 37 points ahead of the soldiers game on Sunday against Civo United.

Bullets technical advisor Nsazwirwimo Ramadhama said it was a tough encounter as Chikwawa are fighting relegation.

“We happy to have won the match because we played a team which is fighting  to survive in the match,” Ramadhan said.

“But the players put up a gallant fight to win.”

Chikwawa coach Willie Khonje said an early goal and own goal the team conceded affected the morale of the players.

But Khonje has refused to throw in the towel saying his teams would bank on their four home games to win and survive.

In other results, Silver Strikers beat Airborne Rangers 3-1, Blue Eagles lost to Azam Tigers 2-0, Karonga Utd triumphed over  Civo Utd 2-1 to move off the bottom.

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