Bullets loaded for Express tie
After an eye-catching performance in the Cecafa Cup opener last Sunday, Nyasa Big Bullets will step onto the turf of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania with a mission to collect maximum points.
Bullets face Uganda champions Express FC this afternoon hoping to underline their class.
The People’s Team started the Cecafa campaign with a 1-1 draw with Tanzania giants Young African Sports (Yanga) at the same venue and earned praise from local fans.
But this afternoon, Bullets would be aiming at nothing short of a win against Group A leaders Express. A win in today’s match will boost Bullets’ chances of reaching the Cecafa Cup semifinals before their final group A match against Atlabara of South Sudan on Saturday.
However, Express are no push-overs having won their opening match 1-0 against Atlabara FC at Azam Complex on Monday evening to top group A with three points from one match.
Bullets are second in Group A with one point alongside third-placed Yanga whereas with no point but they face the Tanzanians in a late kick off this evening. Atlabara anchor the group
Bullets Assistant Coach Peter Mponda believes his troops are in the right frame of mind.
“We do not need to underrate our opponents. They are a very good side. We must get three points to make life easier for ourselves,” said the former Bullets and Flames skipper.
Mponda is likely to make changes to the lineup that started against Yanga.
However, Nigerian striker Babatunde Adepoju, who had a grand game on his debut, is likely to keep his place upfront with Chiukepo Msowoya or Hassan Kajoke.
At the back, Miracle Gabeya and Sankhani Mkandawire are also likely to keep their places to provide cover to either Rabson Chiyenda or Ernest Kakhobwe.
Express defeated Atlabara 1-0 in their opening match on Monday evening thanks to Eric Kenzo Kambale’s lone goal.
But Express Coach Wasswa Bbosa was quoted on Cecafa website that he was not impressed with his players in the opening match.
“We need to improve because my players are very slow on the pitch,” he was quoted as saying.
On their way to the title in Uganda, Express registered 26 wins, 11 draws and two losses.
Two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals of the competition. Bullets are using the tournament as part of preparations for Caf Champions League slated to start in September this year.
