Defending TNM Super League champions Nyasa Big Bullets scored twice in each half to demolish Ntopwa FC 4-1 at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Bullets mentor Calisto Pasuwa made up to six changes to the side that drew 1-all with Mighty Tigers last week, with Gomezgani Chirwa, Charles Petro, Ernest Kakhobwe, Henry Kabichi, Hassan Kajoke and Dalitso Sailesi all included in the starting lineup.
The hosts, who are still winless, made some changes as well, with Samson Chonde, Joado Kanjuzi and Josaya Duwa all dropped to the bench.
Bullets opened their account just before the quarter hour mark through Sailesi who capitalized on defensive lapse from the hosts, 1-0.
Moments later, it was 2-0. Chirwa’s shot was deflected into the net, beating Richard Chimbamba who could only afford to watch as the ball was rolling into the net.
Bullets then decided to sit back as the hosts slowly started dominating in the middle of the park resulting into more pressure on the defending champions but Ntopwa FC lacked the finishing composure to punish them.
However, the arrears were reduced to 2-1 when substitute Duwa made his way into the box to beat Kakhobwe in goals for the visitors.
In the second half, it was more of the hosts than the visitors who opted to defend their slender lead.
Bullets’ midfield was struggling as the rookies kept on pressing hard for the equalizer but they were twice denied by Kakhobwe through some stunning saves.
Pasuwa then brought in Peter Banda for Kajoke and it was this change that Bullets needed most as they regained their attacking pace.
Moments after his introduction, Banda made a brilliant pass to Chiukepo Msowoya who wasted no time by slotting the ball past Chimbamba again.
Another substitute, Nelson Kangunje, who came in for Mike Mkwate, made it 4-1 with a fantastic finish following brilliant display of football in the middle of pack.
The hosts tried their level best to reduce the arrears but Bullets stood firm to register their second win in three games.
This mature display was a real statement of intent from Bullets, who are determined to defend their title at all costs following massive investment into the club by owners Nyasa Manufacturing Group of Companies.
As for Ntopwa, they were careless from start to finish and they paid the price as they were torn apart by the defending champions.
Bullets have seven points from three games while Ntopwa FC are second from the bottom with a point from their opening four games.
At Silver Stadium, a second half strike from Marshall Maluwa inspired Kamuzu Barracks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Silver Strikers to move up to fifth in the standings.
The Bankers created lots of goal scoring opportunities especially from freekicks but utilized none as the Soldiers defended their territory to frustrate the home side.
With some few minutes to play, Maluwa stunned the hosts with a goal that was defended till the final whistle to collect three valuable points at the expense of the title favorites.
This means that the Area 47 side has only registered a single win out of a possible three to drop into ninth position with four points.
As for the 2016 league winners, the victory sees then moving fifth with five points from the same number of games.
At Mulanje Park Stadium, Blue Eagles failed to dislodge league leaders Civil Sporting Club following a goalless draw against Mighty Tigers.
It wasn’t an entertaining match as the teams failed to unlock each other’s defense to share one point a peace.
The result sees Eagles maintaining their second position with eight points from four matches while Tigers have slipped to fourth position with six points from the same number of games.
The action continues on Sunday with two entertaining fixtures.
At Kamuzu Stadium, Be Forward Wanderers will play host to Blue Eagles while Dwangwa United will welcome Masters Security at Chitowe Stadium.
