FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have an uphill task to progress to the group stage of the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League after suffering a 1-0 to loss to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) giants TP Mazembe in the first leg of the second round at Bingu National Stadium Sunday.
Bullets bossed possession in the opening stages but lack of purpose saw them wasting their energy as Mazembe made the hosts sweat.
In the closing stages, visibly exhausted Bullets were living dangerously as Mazembe made Bullets dance to some Ndombolo music.
This means Bullets need to score two goals and avoid conceding to overturn the tables in the second leg slated for Lubumbashi, DRC, on September 30.
It will not be an easy task as they should expect a hostile atmosphere in DRC.
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However, in football, anything can happen.
Malian forward Cheick Omar Fofana scored in the sixth minute when he cut inside before beating goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba at the far post.
After the goal, Bullets tried to reorganise themselves as they looked for an equaliser.
Hassan Kajoke had a chance but his effort was blocked by Mazembe captain Kelvin Mundeko.
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The visitors played with a purpose and were confident on the ball.
Joel Beya nearly doubled Mazembe’s advantage in the 32nd minute when he received a good pass from Beni Kinzumbi but his effort went over the bar.
Bullets had a penalty appeal correctly turned down by referee Mohammed Guedi in the first half.
After the break, Bullets introduced Ephraim Kondowe for Henry Kabichi as coach Kalisto Pasuwa was looking to add firepower upfront. Mazembe also brought in Nigerian Augustine Oladapo for Mercel Vumbi.
Patrick Mwaungulu had a chance to put Bullets level in the 75th minute but his last touch let him down.
Pasuwa also brought in Anthony Mfune for Kajoke in the 70th minute before Lanjesi Nkhoma paved the way for MacFarlane Mgwira.
However, Mazembe held on for their slender victory ahead of the second leg.
In a post-match interview, Pasuwa admitted that it would not be easy to get a positive result away from home.
“Lack of experience cost us the game. We are in a tough situation because the atmosphere in Lubumbashi will be intimidating but we will try our best,” Pasuwa said.
Despite the vital away win, Mazembe coach Lamine Ndiaye said the battle was not over yet.
“We have an advantage but we should not relax. If we had precision we could have scored more goals. It cannot be easy and they can surprise us,” Ndiaye said.
Bullets reached this stage after booting out Dragon FC of Equatorial Guinea 3-0 on goal aggregate.
