Bullets title defence off to perfect start: Malawi TNM Super League

Big Bullets title defence got off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Silver Strikers on Saturday in Lilongwe with goals by Chiukepo Msowoya and Yamikani Fodya.

Silver competed well in an absorbing TNM Super League opening encounter dominating proceeding from the first quarter of the game but fell behind in the second half.

The Bankers defence of Lameck Kachimanga, Lucky Malata and Mabvuto Khodzombwa could not contain Chiukepo Msowoya who exchanged crispy passes with Jafali Chande and Fischer Kondowe before Msowoya planted home a goal to make it 1-0 through spectacular scissors kick in the early stages of the second half.

Silver’s Tizgobere Kumwenda, formerly of Bullets, failed to equalize after missing the goal mouth with an inch.

But the Bankers gave fans false hopes when they equalised through Sam Gunda whose sciccors kick was similar to that of Msowoya’s opening goal, sending the home fans into frenzy.

Earlier, Lazarus Nyemera had an effort ruled off side for Silver as Bullets held on to ensure a perfect start to the season.

With less than 12 minutes to go, Bullets won a free kick just outside the penalty box which was well converted by Yamikani Fodya to put his side in front again.

Bullets showed enough resilience and quality to suggest that they will not be knocked off their perch easily.

Assistant coach for Bullets, Lloyd Nkhwazi said he was pleased with the winning start.

“It is good to start defending the league with a win. This win will give answers to the doubting Thomases that Bullets will be in for title defence,” said Nkhwazi.

Silver coach Stain Chirwa said he was disappointed with the loss.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow,” he said.

“We conceded and then equalized and we were on top of our game but they scored again from a brilliant free kick, it’s painful,” he said.