Second half goals from MacFallen Ngwira and debutant Tilekeleni Anzeru Joseph inspired Nyasa Big Bullets to a 2-0 victory over Wizards FC.
The win in the Super League match that was played at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon has moved the People’s Team to third on the standings.
Wizards dominated in the entire first half but lost concentration in the second half, allowing the defending league champions to score two quick goals that eventually made the rookies to be stuck in the bottom three of the top flight.
Both teams handed starts to debutants, with Wizards introducing Kondwani Majoni, Bester Phiri, and Frank Mlimanjira while Bullets had former Wizards player Anzeru Joseph in the first team hours after unveiling him as their player.
The hosts had the first chance in the half through Majoni who fired straight at Ernest Kakhobwe in goals for Bullets.
Minutes later, Niikiza Aimabre positioned himself well in the penalty box but his header from a Chiku Kanyenda cross went wide.
At the other end, Patrick Phiri overpowered Bullets defence but his final touch let him down as he failed to stab the ball into the net before slipping off inside the D-zone.
Wizards were a force to reckon with as they got another chance from a free kick following a foul on Damian Kunje by Yamikani Fodya but Phiri fired straight at the wall, allowing Bullets to recover.
The visitors then brought in Diverson Mlozi for Aimabre and this change brought some relief to the Bullets side as they started to play with intent.
Just before half time, Majoni’s effort from outside the penalty box hit the upright before another miss from Henderson Misinde, and it was goalless at half time.
Come second half, Wizards decided to sit back as they wanted to frustrate Bullets but this plan only invited trouble as the visitors started pressing harder in search for the much needed goals.
The People’s Team introduced their new signing Collen Nkhulambe for Dave Ng’ambi while Robert Mphezi came in for Majoni.
The visitors were on fire and were very unfortunate not to find their opener in the 62nd minute when
Kondwani Kumwenda received a million dollar pass from Ngwira only to fire wide with the goalkeeper already beaten.
Bullets were knocking at Wizards’ goal and they eventually got their wish in the 70th minute through Ngwira who dribbled past three Wizards defenders before releasing a shot outside the penalty box into the back of the net, 1-0.
Few minutes later, it was 2-nil.
Yamikani Fodya’s cross found Anzeru Joseph in the box and he made no mistake to head past Phiri who should have done better to save the situation for rookies.
Bullets were on fire as they took the game away from the hosts who were living dangerously towards the end of the match.
Nkhulambe’s header went wide before a fantastic save from Phiri to deny Fodya from scoring through a free kick.
At the other end, Patrick Phiri forced Kakhobwe into action when his long range effort was tipped over the cross bar for a corner.
Wizards tried their level best to reduce the arrears but Bullets stood firm to collect maximum points in their first game in the second round. After the win, the People’s Team moved to third position on the standings.
As for the rookies, they are still occupying position 14 and their next fixture is against Civo Service United at Surestream Stadium.
