Bullets shoot Lions to secure FAMA Cup final berth
Big Bullets became the first team to reach the finals of the Fellowship Association of Malawi ( Fama) on Saturday after coming from behind to beat Red Lions 2-1 in a fierce encounter at Kamuzu Stadium in the commercial city Blantyre.
The People’s Team kicked the game on a low note with the Soldiers from the old capital city dominating the proceedings in the first 15 minutes.
The Soldiers silenced the Biafra stand, which Bullets fans occupy after Kelvin Katema kissed their net but the referee of the game ruled the score out.
The development did not go down well with the soldiers, who protested almost for 10 minutes before the play resumed.
A few minutes after Red Lions agreed to continue with the game, Big Bullets defender George Mkandawire handled the ball in the 18-yard box gifting Lions a penalty.
Lion’s workhorse midfielder Prichard Mwanza converted to give his side a lead.
Bullets mounted a vigilant fight which paid dividends in the 26th minute when veteran Grant Lungu scored.
When the two teams were going on recess, it was 1-1.
Come second half, Bullets kept firing from all cylinders and displayed one of the best performances reminding their supporters of the old good days when they were Malawi’s soccer power house.
Their performance raised hope that indeed the time is yet to reclaim its glory.
As spectators were expecting spot-kicks, Mhango flew like a jet fighter to score a spectacular goal which sealed Bullets spot in the finals.
He connected a well taken cross from Fischer Kondowe.
Ugly scenes
Immediately after the finals whistle there was a few minutes fracas, as Red Lions players manhandled the referee before the security men came to his rescue.
The referee was escorted with armed police men to the dressing room.
Big Bullets coach Erdington Ng’onamo described the victory as a stepping stone to grab the cup.
“This is a just a stepping stone. We are now in the Promised Land and our ambition is to grab the FAMA cup,” said Ng’onamo.
“ I must commend my boys for showing good spirit,” he added.
His counterpart for Red Lions, Collins Nkuna was furious with the referee of the game describing him as an amateur.
“With this kind of officiating l do not see Malawi’s football improving because the referee did not even know why he was in the field of play,” said Nkuna.
Political chants
However, after the match Bullets supporters who carried braches of trees chanted songs praising opposition United Democratic Party aspiring presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi, who was arrested by the Police .
“Nthawi yatha tikawone Atupele kwe! Kwe! Nthawi yatha tikawone Atupele ,” say sung before switching to another song “Atupele ndi boma 2014!Atupele Atupele ndi Boma 2014.”
They chanted along the Highway going towards Limbe.
Atupele’s father, former president Bakili Muluzi, at one point sponsored Bullets and was called Bakili Bullets. That was when the club did very well in the continental CAF Champions League.
Big Bullets will wait for the winner between Blue Eagles and Epac FC, who are scheduled to play on Sunday.
