Bullets too Sharp for Dynamos

By: Andrew Cane Chilapondwa

Second half own goal from God knows Murwira handed Nyasa Big Bullets a 1-nil victory over Dynamos FC of Zimbabwe in Nyasa Challenge Cup on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium.

Malawi’s champions dominated against the visitors but goalkeeping heroics from Mateyanga Tanderai denied them from taking a lead. John Lanjesi was the only new face in Bullets’s squad as Franco Ndawa opted to leave new players on the bench. 5 minutes into the half, Dalitso Sailesi was denied by Tanderai who made a fantastic save for a corner. Few minutes later, Mussa Manyenje made a stunning turn only to fire wide from the goal mouth with the goal keeper already beaten.

Bullets were on fire as Tanderai was called into action on several occasion to frustrate the home fans. It took 15 minutes for the visitors to register their first shot at goal where Owen Chaima was operating.

However, Chikondi Likwemba dislocated his shoulder to pave way for Henry Kabichi midway into the half.

Chiukepo Msowoya had his shot well saved again by Dynamos shot-stopper who was a marvel to watch no wonder the first half ended goalless. Come second half, Muhamad Sulumba was introduced for Manyenje. Minutes into the half, Jafali Chande was released to the left flank of the field by Bashir Maunde only to be denied by Elisha Muroiwa who cleared the lose ball before crossing the goal line.

At the other end, Chaima made a double save to deny Rodrick Mutuma from finding the back of the net. Dave Ng’ambi was introduced for Chande whilst Dynamos brought in King Nasama for Ret Amidu. Sulumba had his deflected shot well cleared by Ocean Mushure. Nyirenda was then introduced for Fischer Kondowe while Kudzanai Nyakasaka came in for Masimba Mambari.

Bullets had to wait until 68th minute for the goal through Murwira who managed to beat his own goal keeper into the net after failing to
clear a cross from Nyirenda, 1-0.

Dynamos kept on fighting in search for the leveler and they could have found one few minutes after conceding through Nyakasaka whose shot missed the goal mouth with an inch.

With less than 10 minutes to play, Nasama’s header from a corner was disallowed by referee Dennis Ngulube following a foul on Chaima by the visitors and after 90 minutes of play, it ended 1-nil in favor of Bullets.

Speaking to the press after the match, Bullets mentor, Ndawa, was delighted with the result whilst his opposite number Paulo Silva blamed fatigue for the loss. The two teams will battle it out with each other again at Civo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.