Bullets’ title defence in jeopardy

Nyasa Big Bullet’s dream of defending their Super League title is slowly fading away following their 1-nil defeat away to Kamuzu Barracks on Saturday afternoon.

Harvey Nkacha scored a 25 metre drive past Ernest Kakhobwe to condemn Big Bullets to their second loss of the season.

Before travelling to Lilongwe, the defending champions only trained twice following players’ decision to boycott training over unpaid allowances and signing-on fees.

On the field of play, Kamuzu Barracks dominated the proceedings, with Kakhobwe twice saving the visitors from total destruction when the hosts pressed harder in the opening minutes of the match.

The hosts kept on pressurizing Bullets who were without Yamikani Fodya due to a suspension.

However, Bullets’ resilience came to an end when Nkacha scored a stunning goal just outside the penalty box to arouse the home fans, 1-0.

Bullets almost equalized through Muhammad Sulumba who failed to put the ball into the back of the net when he was set through by Mike Mkwate.

Manasseh Chiyesa later had his shot well saved by Kakhobwe and it was 1-0 at half time.

Come second half, Bullets mentor threw everything inside as he tried to put the match on level but KB’s defence was too stubborn to unlock.

Nkacha was on course for his second goal but his dream was shattered when he sustained an injury, forcing him to leave the field of play in total disbelief.

Chiukepo Msowoya then wasted Bullets’ closest chance when he sent his shot wide off the goal mouth.

The defending champions introduced Fischer Kondowe who had his moment of brilliance but his fellow front-men failed to capitalize on his right-flank crosses. However the clock was ticking as Bullets’ 14th Super League title bid was slowly fading as the Soldiers defended jealously.

With less than five minutes to play, the visitors wasted another glorious opportunity when Sulumba failed to connect well from Kondowe’s cross and after 90 minutes of play, it ended 1-nil in favour of Kamuzu Barracks.

The result sees Bullets only managing to collect a point from a possible nine in their last three games.

At Kamuzu Stadium, Anthony Banda’s first half penalty condemned Wizards to a 1-nil defeat at the hands of Epac FC.

Super League matches will continue on Sunday with Civo Service United hosting Bullets at Civo Stadium while Azam Tigers will play host to Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium. At Mzuzu Stadium, Karonga United will host Mafco FC.

Blue Eagles, Silver Strikers and Mzuni United are the current top three teams in the top flight.