TNM Super League defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have a chance to reclaim top spot when they host Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon.
Straight from their 1-0 victory over Dragon FC of Equatorial Guinea in the Caf Champions League, Bullets have no time to rest.
Bullets were exempted from TNM Super League fixtures for a period of two weeks due to Caf Champions League assignments, in which they advanced following a 3-0 win on aggregate. They will meet TP Mazembe in the second preliminary round.
Bullets are third on the 16-member log table with 34 points from 17 matches, two behind leaders and rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and second-placed Chitipa United, who have played two matches more each.
- Advertisement -
But this afternoon’s match provides them with a perfect opportunity to reclaim top spot.
- Advertisement -
However, Civil are not push-overs at this stage.
The two sides shared the spoils following a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Interestingly, Bullets and Civil also drew 1-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in the second round last year after the People’s Team won 1-0 in the first round.
Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa admitted that facing Civil is always a tricky fixture.
- Advertisement -
“We did not rest because, immediately after the game in Lilongwe, we left for Blantyre and arrived in the early hours of Monday. The boys had a recovery session on Tuesday morning and full time training session in the afternoon,” Pasuwa said.
On the other hand, Civil were on bye this weekend after beating Kamuzu Barracks 1-0 at Kasungu Ground.
This is also an important match for Civil, as they are fighting to finish in the top four this season.
Civil are on position nine on the log table with 24 points from 18 matches.
Sounding calm and composed, Civil Coach Oscar Kaunda said his charges are geared for the encounter.
“As usual, it is a difficult match against Bullets but the players are determined to do the job,” Kaunda said.
In other matches today, Red Lions host Mafco at Balaka Stadium whereas Karonga United will meet Moyale Barracks at Karonga Stadium. Ekwendeni Hammers will meet Bangwe All Stars at Rumphi Stadium.
