Mighty Wanderers beat Bullets in league for first time in 9 years
Increase league title mathematical chances
Nyasa Big Bullets bragging rights for Blantyre City came to an abrupt end Sunday when Mighty Wanderers put up a spirited performance to narrowly win 1–0 at Kamuzu Stadium.
Vincent Nyangulu’s well-taken goal in the 32nd minute ended Bullets’ nine-year dominance over Wanderers in the TNM Super League.
This was Wanderers’ first victory in the league since 2012, when they last defeated Bullets 2–1 courtesy of Nafe Msasa and Alfred Manyozo Jnr goals.
At the end of the match, Bullets players, coaches and fans were left bewildered and angry as they did not believe that the People’s Team had surrendered their nine-year unbeaten home record in the league.
Bullets last lost at home in the league in 2012 when defunct Epac United won 1–0 through an Ishmael Thindwa goal.
The result has left the race for the championship wide open as Silver Strikers are breathing closely behind Bullets.
Bullets still lead with a point, having collected 56 points, a point ahead of Silver after both sides played 28 games each.
Wanderers are third with 51 points from 27 games.
In all fairness, Wanderers deserved to win having approached the game with positive mentality and lively attacking players Yamikani Chester, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Nyangulu and Vitumbiko Kumwenda, who teased Bullets defence mercilessly at will.
In contrast, Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa opted for an experienced side that was easily outplayed, outpaced and outfought.
Despite taking the lead, Wanderers never looked satisfied as they kept pressurising Bullets, hitting the woodwork on three occasions during the match.
Bullets had their moments too but were slothful, indecisive and unconvincing.
The introduction of Misheck Seleman and Alick Lungu injected life and speed but, by then, Wanderers were solid in defence, not allowing easy penetration.
When referee Evidence Kananji blew the final whistle, some Bullets fans had already left the stadium while several Nomads die-hards danced in jubilation.
Bullets must now beat Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe and Karonga United at home to defend the league title.
Silver remain with an away match against Moyale Barracks and a home match against Ekwendeni Hammers.
Bullets Assistant Coach Peter Mponda rued missed chances but maintained that the league title was still in their hands.
“We gave away the goal and it was difficult to come back into the game. We missed several chances. However, the result does not change anything. We are fighting our own battle to defend the championship,” he said.
Wanderers Coach Bob Mpinganjira saluted his charges for outstanding performance.
“We worked hard and could have won by more goals but one-zero [1–0], three points is all good,” he said.
In another match played Sunday, Civil Service United defeated Blue Eagles 1-0.
Eagles are on position 13 with 29 points from 29 games.
