Bullets thump Mafco to go second

…Moyale Barracks held by Dwangwa United

Mussa Manyenje’s spectacular first half scissor kick was the highlight of the day as defending TNM Super League champions Big Bullets thumped Mafco FC at a waterlogged Kamuzu Stadium to move up to second on the table with 48 points from 26 games.

With the title race getting tougher by each passing week, the home team did their calculations very well as they produced one of the best performances this season.

Without the suspended Chiukepo Msowoya, Bullets started brightly as Dalitso Sailesi, Fischer Kondowe, and Anzeru Joseph pressed harder in search of the opening goal but Paul Ndhlovu, Zikhole Nguluwe, and Vitumbiko Phiri were solid at the back for the visitors.

Mafco had the opportunity to find the opener but Ernest Kakhobwe produced a triple save to frustrate the Soldiers who thought the ball was already inside the net.

From there, Bullets launched a stunning counter hurricane attack that led to Manyenje’s spectacular goal to put his team in the lead, 1-0.

At the other end, Richard Mbulu, who has never scored against Bullets, saw his shot well saved by the outstanding Kakhobwe.

With some few minutes to play on the clock, Sulumba was released from the right flank by Kondowe but the former blasted his shot wide and it was 1-nil at half time.

Come second half, Mafco dominated possession in the first ten minutes but Maneno Nyoni, Miracle Gabeya, Pilirani Zonda and Yamikani Fodya were well composed in defence for the hosts.

At the other end, Zonda’s free kick went wide before another miss from Sulumba.

As Mafco pressed harder in search for the equalizer, they were left exposed at the back and Bullets attacked them from the wings where Sailesi and Kondowe were operating.

Kondowe’s shot outside the box was well saved by Dalitso Makunganya for a corner from which Nyoni headed over the cross bar.

Manyenje then turned from scorer to provider when his through ball found Sulumba unmarked and the former Be Forward Wanderers and Blantyre United forward made no mistake by putting the ball into the back of the net, 2-0.

Bullets then brought in Mike Mkwate and MacPhallen Ngwira for Kondowe and Manyenje as the home side pushed for more goals in the half.

Mbulu almost reduced the deficit but his effort was cleared by Gabeya before crossing the line.

With less than five minutes to play, Collen Nkhulambe came in for Sulumba and he almost got on the scoresheet when his header from a corner missed the upright with inches.

Mafco tried their level best to try to snatch something out of the game but Bullets stood firm to collect maximum points and move to second position with 48 points.

As for Mafco, their trip to Southern Region was very unsuccessful as they only managed to collect a point from the possible six.

At Mzuzu Stadium, Moyale Barracks’ winless run in the second round continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Dwangwa United.

The result takes Dwangwa United to position 12 with 27 points from 27 games while Moyale are on position 8 with 37 points from 25 games so far.