Bullets set a new Super League record

…wins the championship with 66 points

…ends the season without losing at home…   

Big Bullets FC came from behind to beat Civo Service United 3-1 to officially be crowned the 2015 Malawi  Super League champions. The people’s team came into this clash looking to finish the season on a high while Civo United needed all the points to seal a top eight finish.

The champions made their intentions very clear early in the game as Jafali Chande tested Duncan Mkandawire with a thumping header inside the penalty box, but the hosts’ shot-stopper made a fantastic stop, parrying the ball wide for a corner.

Chande was denied by the woodwork before missing another close chance in the opening minutes of the match.

The servants were under pressure as Sailesi, MacFallen Ngwira, Chande, Chiukepo Msowoya and Henry Kabichi pressed harder in search for their opener but Emmanuel Zoya, John Lanjesi and Blessings Kameza were too good in defence for the hosts.

However, it was Civo who took an early lead when a cross from the right flank of the field was connected well into the net by Gerard Nkungula. The goal destabilized Bullets’ defence as Nkungula and Nelson Kangunje increased their attacking pace but lacked the cutting edge inside the D-zone.

Bullets responded back in style through Richard Chande who scored into his own net from Ngwira’s corner kick, 1-1.

A few minutes later, Bullets forward Chande was substituted for Mussa Manyenje after sustaining an injury just before the interval.

Bullets continued to play their attacking brand of football but were left exposed at the back, and were nearly punished when Kangunje played Nkungula through in the 39th minute, only to be let down by his first touch, allowing Owen Chaima in goals for Bullets to collect with ease.

A minute before the half time whistle, the champions almost doubled their lead through right back Pilirani Zonda whose shot managed to beat every Civo Service United player, only to be denied by his own team-mate Manyenje who cleared the ball on behalf of the servants.

Come second half, the hosts were under intense pressure as Kangunje and Patience Kalumo in the midfield failed to withstand pressure exerted by Bashir Maunde and Chikondi Likwemba.

Manyenje was once again denied by Mkandawire who produced a fantastic save to clear a loose ball away from his area.

Despite Civo’s stubbornness, Bullets were not to be denied ten minutes later when Ngwira’s perfect curling cross found Manyenje from inside the box, and the left-footed forward made it 2-1 with his weaker foot.

Ngwira was causing havoc in Civo’s defence as he managed to beat two defenders on the right hand side of the box, before playing a six-yard pass to Msowoya, who failed to slot past the advanced Mkandawire.

With 27 minutes to go, Msowoya completely dashed the current Standard Bank Knockout Cup champions’ hopes of coming back into the game when he scored a brilliant free kick to make it 3-1 and take his tally to 14 goals, level with Red Lions’ Innocent Bokosi.

At the other end, Chaima was called into action to deny Kangunje from scoring a beauty when he was set through by Zoya.

Msowoya almost sealed the golden boot award when Manyenje’s low drive found him unmarked but the former Orlando Pirates and Escom United forward failed to beat Mkandawire as the hosts were found wanting at the back and in the end, the Blantyre based giants gave nothing away and registered their 20th win of the season in front of thousands their of fans.

Speaking to the press after the mauling, Civo’s mentor Oscar Kaunda conceded defeat and congratulated Bullets for defending their title whilst his opposite number Mabvuto Lungu thanked the heavens and his players for a successful season.

The result sees Bullets becoming the first ever team to win the title with 66 points.

Bullets went away with a trophy and a dummy cheque worth K15 million. A champions gala organised by sponsors will be held on 14 January at a venue yet to be announced.