FCB Nyasa Big Bullets fought hard to claim maximum points with a 0-2 win over struggling Mzuzu City Hammers in a TNM Super League match played at Rumphi Stadium.
Bullets desperately needed a result from the match following their 1-0 loss to Blue Eagles at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The match was a balanced affair in the first 45 minutes with Hammers looking for an early goal but their attackers Isaiah Nyirenda, Samson Tijani and Hassan Luwembe failed to beat Bullets’ defence of Andrew Junivala, Blessings Joseph and Blessings Mpokera.
The temperamental match saw the two sides going for recess with nothing to show for their efforts.
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In the second half, Bullets introduced Gastin Phodo, Hassan Kajoke and Henry Chiwaya after pulling out Wongani Lungu, Babatunde Adepoju and Lameck Gamphani to add power upfront.
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Hammers would have broken the deadlock through a 60th minute penalty following a handball in the box but Bullets goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu stretched full length, diving to his right to punch the ball away for his defenders to clear.
As the match wore on, Hammers introduced Calvin Kazombo and Semme Kennedy for Samson Tisan and Gerald Ngwira with Bullets bringing in Peter Banda at the expense of Frank Willard.
It was slippery attacker Chikumbutso Salima who broke the deadlock for Bullets in the 76th minute before Kajoke netted the second goal through a header in added time.
Bullets coach Peter Mponda said their aim was to collect maximum points.
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“We did not play well but all I wanted was to win. This will give us confidence for the match against Mafco,” Mponda said.
His Hammers counterpart Elias Chirambo said: “We did our best to win but it seems luck was not on our side. After missing the penalty, the morale was down but let me make it clear that we will survive relegation.”
But despite the win, Bullets remain second with 30 points, three points behind leaders Mighty Wanderers with 13 matches each.
Hammers are stuck on position 15 with eight points from 13 matches.
