Europe-bound Peter Banda signed off in style when he scored twice to help TNM Super League champions Nyasa Big Bullets thrash Kamuzu Barracks 3-1 at Kamuzu Stadium Sunday.
Banda, who is expected to leave the country for month-long trials with Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol, opened the scoring in the eighth minute through a stunning free-kick that eluded KB goalkeeper Zakaria Jere.
The Malawi National Football team attacker completed his brace in the 40th minute when he rounded off KB defenders Sam Chivunde and Mike Ntonyo to extend Bullets’ lead.
It was bad in the office for Hassan Kajoke as he missed some chances with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Bullets missed some key players who are self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 and it was not surprising that the People’s Team at times lacked creativity.
The league champions were also left frustrated after they lost up-and-coming midfielder Misheck Selemani to injury after the youngster collided with Chivunde.
The youngster was replaced by Zicco Mkanda who went on to score Bullets’ third goal.
KB got a consolation in the 81st minute when former Blue Eagles striker Gregory Nachipo connected with his header beyond the fit again Rabson Chiyenda.
KB Assistant Coach Ted Kalinda blamed fatigue on the loss.
“The boys looked tired as most of them played twice on Saturday and today [Sunday]. Bullets players were fresh as they did not play yesterday. We will go back home to work on our shortfalls,” he said.
His counterpart Kallisto Pasuwa said he was happy with the result but bemoaned missed chances.
“We could have scored more goals today if we were not wasteful in front of the goal. We will miss Peter [Banda] who scored two goals and provided an assist,” he said.
Bullets have moved to position eight with 11 points from six games whereas KB are on position 12 with six points from seven games.
In other games, Civil Services United missed a chance to return to the top after a one-all draw with Moyale Barracks, who lost 5-1 to Silver Strikers on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Clement Ng’ombe scored once as Ntopwa defeated Karonga United 1-0 at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
TN Stars defeated Chitipa United 1-0 after Chiletso Zoya scored the game’s only goal.
Red Lions are still topping the table with 17 points from eight games whereas Silver lie second with 16 points from the same number of games.
Civil are third with 15 points from seven games.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.